Carter Visit Brings Big Costs

jimmy carter

In less than a month, former US President Jimmy Carter will become the second person to accept the Mahatma Gandhi Global Nonviolence award at JMU. Hosting prestigious guests, like Carter, comes at great cost and requires months of preparation.

Harrisonburg has played host to a few of the most influential men of our time. In September 2007 it was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in October of last year, then candidate Barack Obama and in September, former President Jimmy Carter will join the city's list of v.i.p. visitors.

"It's a unique opportunity and I think it's about some topics that many folks find very meaningful," says JMU Spokesman, Don Egle.

But to host big names, the city and JMU must also spend big. The university will shell out about $80,000 to bring in the Carters. Harrisonburg has agreed to contribute $15,000 through in-kind donations, like police overtime. Those writing the checks say it's not an expense, but an investment.

"Some of the in-kind funds are actually received by the city on behalf of taxes or things like that where people are coming to the restaurants," says Harrisonburg Mayor, Kai Degner.

Harrisonburg alone won't reap the benefits of Carter's lecture.

"I think these types of events add value to what happens on the university campus, it adds value to the student experience in general and for faculty and staff but even beyond that, I think it adds value to the surrounding community," says Egle

When Barack Obama spoke at JMU, Harrisonburg spent $9,000 on police, $4,000 on transit and as much as $2,000 on public works. In all, the campaign reimbursed the city close to $15,000.

"Obviously we want to be careful about where we're spending money and what we're supporting. I think an event of this magnitude certainly justifies a contribution," says Degner.

JMU will raise money for the Carter lecture through ticket sales and a dinner.

"Yeah, it's not cheap, but it's nice that we have different avenues of revenue that have come in to help cover the cost," says Egle.

Fundraising isn't all that's being done in preparation for the Carters. Logistics for parking, promotions and seating started months ago.

Former President Carter will lecture on September 21st in the JMU Convo at 7 p.m. You can buy tickets by calling 568-3853. Tickets are $10 - $5.

There will be about 7,000 seats available. You will find a link to online ticket sales by clicking on the "hot button," section of this Web site.