Several mayoral candidates for the City of Joliet, Ill., are taking a look slashing costs at several city facilities, including the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the historic Rialto Square Theatre, both which are on Route 66 or have a strong tie to the Mother Road.
The Joliet Herald-News quizzed the nine candidates about what they would do to close a $27 million deficit in the city’s government. Most targeted a water park for closure or putting up for sale.
But several complained about the annual $700,000 spent on the Rialto theater, and think funding cuts should be considered for it.
The city spent about $300,000 on the museum last year. At least one mayoral candidate said a cutback on the facility’s hours should be considered to trim costs.
City elections in Joliet are April 5.