Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 16:38:47 -0400
From: Donna Kelly
Subject: Non-profit funding
Obviously Karen Crowell and I have a very different outlook on the role of government and how best to help our community.While Karen wants to give more to the very poor, I’m concerned about where those additional funds come from and the effect tax increases would have on those already struggling to get by.
I wrote about non-profit funding because it’s usually an emotional issue at budget time and most people aren’t familiar with the process.I was hoping to give people a better understanding of the process and trying to encourage people to personally step up and get involved in whatever manner might work best for them rather than pressure county government to do more. The majority of non-profit funding already comes from the community, not the government, so I believe it’s better to put more effort into working within the community.I also believe we build a stronger community by getting more people personally involved.
While we want to be able to help people in need, our ultimate goal should be to improve conditions so fewer people need help.The best help the county can give people in poverty is a thriving economy where people can find local jobs to provide for their families themselves.While there will always be some people who need assistance, the goal should be to create conditions where fewer people need assistance than to just focus on expanding the number of people receiving assistance.
Donna Kelly