Debate Over Presidential Library Begins in City Council - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

"Show me the money," that's the message David Miller, a chairman for the George W. Bush Presidential Library says needs to happen if Lubbock is serious about bringing the library here. The library is expected to cost $300-million. Lubbock's part would be $50-million up front to be able to compete against bigger cities for the bid.

NewsChannel 11 was at Thursday's special presentation where the city council is now looking at two funding options. One is to have a bond issue to raise taxes on the November ballot. The other would be to keep the tax rate the same.

David Miller, along with three other key speakers asked the council to not think of it as a raise in taxes, but as a return on a future investment.

Nancy Weiss, a personal friend of the Bush family, spoke to the city council saying, "Their (President and Laura Bush) hearts are in West Texas. I am absolutely sure we will be considered."

Kent Hance, another speaker, and former Lubbock congressman said, "This is the most important thing to happen here." His vote for Lubbock is so strong, that he's willing to take two years off to fund raise.

Even Red Raider Head Basketball Coach Bob Knight showed his affectionate side when talking about why the hub city should be chosen. "I am unbelievably impressed with the friendliness of the people here and the community itself."

The only bad news of the day was where to find the money. But David Miller said, "If we don't get the library, none of this money is committed. It is all counting on the President deciding that his library is going to be located here at Texas Tech."

The city council will consider the two options Friday and we'll bring you those developments. In the meantime, you can show your support for the library by signing a petition at all United Supermarket locations on Friday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

9/1/05 Presidential Library Special Report: Part 1 Watch the first part of the bid to the Lubbock City Council to get the George W. Bush Presidential Library to come to Lubbock.

9/1/05 Presidential Library Special Report: Part 2 David Miller Watch David Miller, Chairman of the West Texas Coalition, speak to the Lubbock City Council to get the George W. Bush Presidential Library to come to Lubbock.

9/1/05 Presidential Library Special Report: Part 3 Nancy Weiss Watch Nancy Weiss, a friend of the Bush family, speak to the Lubbock City Council to get the George W. Bush Presidential Library to come to Lubbock.

9/1/05 Presidential Library Special Report: Part 4 Bob Knight Watch Bob Knight, Texas Tech Head Basketball Coach, speak to the Lubbock City Council to get the George W. Bush Presidential Library to come to Lubbock.

9/1/05 Presidential Library Special Report: Part 5 Kent Hance Watch Kent Hance, former Lubbock Congressman, speak to the Lubbock City Council to get the George W. Bush Presidential Library to come to Lubbock.

Website Launched for George W. Bush Library to be at Texas Tech If you would like to see the George W. Bush Presidential Library placed in Lubbock, you can now voice your support online.