Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:24:29 -0400
From: Taylor Kish
Subject: Chatham Arts Council
So let’s look at a local non-profit as a teach-able moment. I realize we are looking at a cherished gem of local people who love art. We all love art.
County taxpayer grants are one-time gifts (in a good economy). They are NOT intended to be a permanent source of funding.
I have a problem with a Democrat candidate for County Commissioner using the Arts Council as a fundraiser to bash some existing commissioners. That is dividing us, NOT bringing us all together. That is spinning one fact into a story of hating Republicans to win an election. Did the democrat candidate recommend we all contribute to the Chatham Arts Council OR election campaign?
CAC receives funding from many donors like Progress Energy. Lots of people support the arts. What percentage of the CAC’s annual budget was affected without another grant from Chatham taxpayers? The candidate did not say. Should we REQUIRE ALL taxpayers to support the arts? Sure. Why not? IF we have money in the budget to spare. Like when REAL unemployment is below 5%. And families are moving from welfare to work. And Medicaid roles start shrinking instead of increasing. And FEWER people are receiving Food Stamps. Chatham County’s budget is being squeezed by social welfare program increases that are mandated by state and federal law.
In reality, previous grants from Chatham taxpayers were not that much. A good Executive Director of ANY non-profit could replace that money with other donors in no time at all. Do you think the Arts Council is on the verge of closing down because they now lack a small taxpayer grant?
The democrat candidate was pandering as a campaign strategy and fundraising.