Councilwoman wanted arena groundbreaking “before I became too ill”

Outgoing City Councilwoman Jayne Snyder talks about what Lincoln’s arena project means to her in an interview on the city public access channel.

Councilwoman Jayne Snyder

Snyder is resigning from her position on the City Council because she has pancreatic cancer. In a “City Focus” segment that airs on Channel 5, Snyder said the project means a lot to her and even though she doesn’t expect to live long enough to see the arena opening in September 2013, she can visualize crowds cheering.

“Some peole don’t realize the true meaning it has for me,” she said. “I put a lot of hours into it. I wanted the groundbreaking before I became too ill. I know I won’t make it to the first opening but I very much can dream and think about the first show and the first opening of the arena.”

Snyder said if she could choose the first act to perform in the arena, it would be the Rolling Stones.

“I think it would bring together people of all ages,” Snyder said.

You can watch the segment here by clicking on “City Focus: The arena.”

Snyder said she is most proud of her contribution to Lincoln’s trail system, but the arena will also be part of her legacy. She was elected in 2009. This week the City Council will vote on a replacement for her.