Letter of the day: Losing the Perpich Center would add to a different deficit

A Feb. 2 Star Tribune article points out the Perpich Center for Arts Education's struggle to survive as a national model for arts education. It also illustrates the misplaced values of some politicians. The Perpich Center stands alone for its dual instruction in the arts for both teachers and students. This combined service has no other provider should the center not continue. We forget that our most basic ways of knowing are through our own eyes and ears and our moving body -- basic knowledge learned through the arts. Gov. Rudy Perpich was a governor who valued the importance of the arts for basic knowledge. Our current state deficit is not only monetary. Gov. Tim Pawlenty's pledge not to raise taxes declares a value for money to the deficit of Minnesota's best traditions. As citizens we must insist on values that are basic for our children. Sustaining the Perpich Center is sustaining a valued Minnesota tradition. WALLACE KENNEDY, RICHFIELD