Ransburg is going to try raising money for the museum…again

Peoria Riverfront Museum Chairman and former mayor Dave Ransburg was on the WMBD morning show. He was lobbed softball questions (“It’s going to be really exciting once construction starts, wouldn’t you agree?”) and generally fawned over by Greg. I realize it’s not a news program, but sheesh, he could have asked the guy a mildly challenging question.

Like, how about this one: Your group is charged with raising the remaining money needed to build the museum, which is estimated to be at least $7 million. Why do you think you’ll be more successful now when you were unsuccessful as part of the “Circle the Square” group of former mayors that tried to raise money four years ago?

Or how about: “Why should this project continue to go forward when it can’t raise sufficient start-up capital even after a $40 million taxpayer infusion and a decade of fundraising efforts?”

Or even better: “Given your history of being untruthful with the public, why should we trust anything you say in this interview?”

In fairness, I did hear one question that was slightly challenging — from Dan, of course — and that was when he asked if there was going to be an IMAX. Ransburg danced around it, using a typical political trick: “The plans call for an IMAX.” Yeah, yeah. Thanks for telling us what we already know.