Presidential Library - A Decision Anytime Soon? (Vanity)

self

[shezza]

The George W. Bush Presidential Library contenders have made their final pitches, and the word is that a decision will be made by the end of the year. Any last-minute thoughts?

[shezza]

I'll have to say, as a BU grad I'm hoping for Baylor. The campus is fantastic, the area earmarked for the library is beautiful, the proximity to the I-35 corridor and the Crawford ranch is a definite plus, and their presentation video was outstanding.

Other contendors waiting with bated breath and multi-million dollar proposals in hand:

- Southern Methodist University (Laura's alma mater)
- University of Dallas
- Texas Tech University

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

As I understand it, all Presidential Libraries before Clinton were built with Public Funds. Thus President Bush, unless, Congress changes the law will have to raise the cash for his own Library.


What are the chances of Congress passing a bill to save President Bush from having to raise his own money for the library?

[McLynnan]

Everything you said and more. I live in the Waco area, and we are on pins and needles waiting for the decision next month.

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

I had always thought it would be at Baylor or UT Austin.

[shezza]

I know the West Texas Coalition (backing Texas Tech's bid) has over $100 in pledges from donors, and would obviously kick into major fund-raising mode if named.

I don't know if the other universities have also begun seeking funds, but the rough estimate is said to be around $300 million dollars. (Baylor plans to donate the 100 acres it has targeted for the site.)

[shezza]

LOL! I mean the West Texas Coalition has raised more than $100 million in pledges.

[McLynnan]

I don't think UT Austin made a bid. Baylor would be a great choice geographically. Three presidential libraries would be approximately one hour and fifteen minutes drive from each other.

[H. Paul Pressler IV]

If Tech and West Texas has raised 100 million I would imagine it will be build at Lubbock.

Whatever the case, without federal funding it will be a shame to have to see President Bush raising the kind of cash it will take to built a fitting monument.

[shezza]

This link is to Texas Tech's video proposal. The do put on a good show, I must say.

Still, Lubbock is so far away from everything that it wouldn't get the traffic that something along the I-35 corridor would (e.g., Baylor). Don't get me wrong, we lived in Lubbock for 5 years and still call it home. But it is not IMHO the best possible pick.

[N8VTXNinWV]

My vote is B-A-Y-L-O-R, Baylor Bears Fight! ;o)

I believe BU has the best presentation, as well!