The Observation Deck

Jim,
Look back on my comments and what they were responding to: When broad statements about the events failures or accusations of "thievery" have been made I have stepped in. Too many people worked too hard and hundereds of people in the community enjoyed the efforts to be continually dragged into this argument.

The event and the volunteers efforts should not be maligned because of a interpersonal communications problem between a few or differing opinions of the success/failure of a local non-profit organization

As Rhonda said, this was an event/idea that grew out of a LA commitee. Only LA can report their numbers. I do know that all bills and receipts were accounted for and were paid or reibursed out of the LA accounts. These costs and charges started accumulating 2 years ago - far too long ago to remember exact amounts.

The people who make the fiscal decisions are staff Mike. Volunteers do not.

Exactly, reread my response. That is what I said????

Sharon,

As for this not being on the deck...

Check out this series of posts on this thread.

[quote]Spooky Pooch Parade

Postby Rhonda loje on Wed Sep 16, 2009 5:56 pm
Thought I would separate this topic from the Panera thread to make it less confusing!

Here are Justine's thoughts:
As far as the digression to the parade, why would any funds be kept in an organization that has thousands for payroll? I think all the money should go to the two local animal shelters, Missy's and the Lakewood one. And NO way should MIssy be paying for a table to advertise a true non profit that HELPS dogs! No way![/quote]


I was the idea owner of the SPP just like Ruthie was the idea owner for Bandt2gether (to put it in a context that you know).

These ideas were both developed by us under LA. We both thought we were volunteering to do a great and fun thing for the community. I thought my event would benefit the animal community.

But as I found out I did not own my idea (and anything produced from it like the logo or even the name) or where the final proceeds were to be directed.

I resigned because LA told me they were going to make the SPP ( for 2009) a fundraising event for
just LA. (With a little pressure they finally made a $ 1,000 donation to the LAS). But they wanted to make as much money for LA as possible.

That was something I could not do. That is why I resigned.

It became much more complicated after that......ask Jim.

Now can we put this subject to rest.
It was a very hurtful period for me.
Personally and as a volunteer.

I have been very reluctant to jump into volunteering or become involved in the community again because of this situation.

That is why I have been talking about transparency, accountability and truthfulness of all groups that use city, state or federal funds. I think it is the bigger story here like Jim has stated.

If you would like to scrutinize this event I suggest you talk to LA and those who were in charge of the event last year or those that dispersed the funds from 2008.

Mike Davis wrote:Jim,
Look back on my comments and what they were responding to: When broad statements about the events failures or accusations of "thievery" have been made I have stepped in. Too many people worked too hard and hundereds of people in the community enjoyed the efforts to be continually dragged into this argument.

Mike

I have never mentioned "thievery" To be honest I think that the directors are incapable of
that. What I have said is mismanagement, in over their heads, lack of knowledge, and
ZERO accountability to the residents, and according to officials, possibly even city hall.

I can no dispersions on hardworking volunteers. Though one would think they would want
to know exactly what they are accomplishing.

So even you wife has no access to the numbers, which would seem to make Rhonda's case.

This city, the volunteers deserve more.

FWIW


.

Jim,
Sharon made the "thievery" comment.

Anyway, I did not say we were not told of the final numbers $$.
I said it was too long ago to recall them and that only LA can report their financials.

I am going to follow Rhonda's lead - and this will be my last post on the subject.

I was referring to LA Management not the volunteers, got it?

Also I was saying there may be, or there is an appearance of.

Who do you need to know, or pay off, to have your posts edited or removed. Where is Sharon's last post?

This is happening all too often.

I am done with the charade of this Deck

Mike

There is a 30 minute window to edit or remove posts that is available to everyone.
Built into the software. Another post might disable that feature but not sure.

From the control board for ALL members


No hokey pokey, no one paid here.

So in a huff you cry foul, never checking the facts and in YOUR need for accountability.

Wish you felt that way about other groups accountability.

PS - Please note, no matter, I am still answering questions not running, not changing
the subject.


FWIW

Mike

I will go one step further.

You have no real vested interest in the Observer outside of time, and making sure LA who you
and your wife are members of, and volunteer for is protected. It is a noble effort.

BUT

What about someone that has more than time in LakewoodAlive asking for the simplest of
accountability? What if the person was a heavy donor? A long standing member? A person that
never said no to LakewoodAlive in their needs to raise money and get information out. With that
level of commitment, one might hope for a tad more accountability.

But never quit in a huff, still give them everything they ask for, still hoping for some accountability.


.

Last night I was watching Rachel Maddox speak with Dr. Welton Maddy, a Baptist minister, and
head of Interfaith Alliance, protecting faith and freedom, and it sounded very much like many
organizations in Lakewood today.


Dr. Maddy speaking of C-Street
And when you get in that situation, and you put yourself in an
insulated, isolated, secretive kinds of conversation, and you talk with
each other and you build each other up, you begin to think: we‘ve got the
truth and nobody else does. And they better listen to us and if they don‘t
listen to us, they‘re making a mistake. We know what‘s right for this
country and we‘re going to do whatever we have to do to see that this
country does right.
And so, you can‘t question our politics. You can‘t accuse us of being
illegal. You can‘t accuse us of being uncivil. We‘re doing God‘s work.
We‘re doing what needs to be done in this nation.
And when that happens, then you ultimately begin to think you are
above the law. You are above regular standards. And you dare anyone to
tell you differently.



I believe the country and this city has forgotten we are in a republic based on
democracy, and that it was formed, built, and made better through public and
open discourse with people and groups having equal voices and chances to speak.

FWIW



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