The Observation Deck

So what is nitty gritty and where in the IRS code does it require its disclosure?

Here you go:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4221pc.pdf

Interesting reading, particularly the part about "insiders." If anyone associated with the organization unduly benefits from the connection to the organization they can lose their 501- C (3) status.

Thanks Grace,
Certainly a helpful brochure. Am I missing something here? Were the IRS returns not something that I have seen provided in the past? The details seem to be clear that the charity can make reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of in person inspection. It doesn't seem to be disputed that this was offered, yet we're still talking about it. I still don't see where the violation is and when Scott asked earlier the answer seems to show that this is much ado about nothing.

To go back to the positive, I've been impressed by the involvement of the local business owners and how well the Police and City Hall have worked together to address the spike of graffiti. Great to see that progress is being made and hopefully it can be kept under control. Just having a forum that Lakewood Alive's: DLBA provided to ask questions and express concern helps.

Shawn -

Did you take ten minutes and go back to the beginnings of this thread? All the info about this that you need to have is here. People are bending over backwards to provide you with info. Do you see Lakewood Alive doing the same on this thread?

Hijacking a thread is ridiculous under these circumstances. It won't work.

Are you kidding me. This passive/agressive BS needs to stop.
After the first Spooky Pooch Parade, a donation of $1,000 was made to the designated Lakewood based dog organization. Any additional money left over was held to provide for the start up costs for the following year to ensure the continued success of the event into the future. This info was printed/distributed in more than one form by LA and was prominently displayed on the front page of their website after the event. There is/was enough poor etiquet displayed from all sides on this subject. Enough is enough and it is time to move on.

Mike

I am glad you are addressing one side in this debate, when does the other side get dressed
down would be my question. I have not seen anything on their website about any of this, or
businesses that are not "playing ball" being left out of their "DowntowN" guides, etc.

This is what I find most troubling, we are all supposed to play nice, well all but one group
that no one is allowed to talk about, or ever question.

This thread started off, with their survey, and me asking the very simple question. Does
anyone, besides LA through this survey judge their success or every look to other
non-profits in Lakewood to head these programs up?

Seems like a very simple straightforward question.

Council President Kevin Butler came in and basically said no, for the CDBG money, and had
no answers on all of the other money and support coming from th city.

In a cash poor city, with many needs, it seems just a tad shortsighted of politicians, and
the city not to actually have a sysytem in place to evaluate success and failure.

Would you not agree?

Or is it your thought that we turn everything over to them, people that have ZERO background
in what they are doing as of 4 years ago, and say have at it?

.

.

Sharon,
I'm sorry but how is it hijacking a post to ask for clarification?
This is the second time that you have dodged the question that apparently is such an important matter in this allegation. Their tax return in online, they invited you to the office to dig through their records, and Councilman Butler and Gary Rice addressed the city's role through Council and CBDG. Until there is something concrete, this is just not interesting to me anymore. Sure there are things to improve upon and things to be addressed further but let's stick to those and not spin our wheels on something with so little substance.

Now for those who are reading this thinking "I wonder what Lakewood Alive is up to". Huge open house this Saturday, visit www.lakewoodopen.com for more information. Great collaboration effort that is integrating some new industries into the fun. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can start seeing some sold signs before the tax incentives expire.

Jim,
I agree, oversight and accountability is mandatory. It comes in many forms - I enjoy reading both print and electronic information from many different sources and venues. I have also enjoyed face to face discussions, or phone conversations with folks when I had more detailed or follow-up questions regarding a subject of interest. I have never had a problem with LA or any other group working for a better Lakewood.

Regarding city $, like Gary Rice, I also have served on the Citizens Advisory Committee. It is a very big commitment of time and energy for those that serve on that committee. One of the Committee's most important roles is to review, question, and scrutinize the organizations before them asking for money from the city - they must clearly demonstrate their effectiveness and accomplishments to the Committee's satisfaction before the Committee will pass on their reccomendations to City Council for funding. Not all groups that apply get their funding requests granted or the amounts they are requesting.

Mike Davis wrote:Jim,
I agree, oversight and accountability is mandatory. It comes in many forms - I enjoy reading both print and electronic information from many different sources and venues. I have also enjoyed face to face discussions, or phone conversations with folks when I had more detailed or follow-up questions regarding a subject of interest. I have never had a problem with LA or any other group working for a better Lakewood.

Regarding city $, like Gary Rice, I also have served on the Citizens Advisory Committee. It is a very big commitment of time and energy for those that serve on that committee. One of the Committee's most important roles is to review, question, and scrutinize the organizations before them asking for money from the city - they must clearly demonstrate their effectiveness and accomplishments to the Committee's satisfaction before the Committee will pass on their reccomendations to City Council for funding. Not all groups that apply get their funding requests granted or the amounts they are requesting.

Mike

For the record, I have more a problem with LakewoodAlive managers for life, and how
they seem to morph into anywhere there is funding or a way to push their ED Agenda,
that has existed in this small group for over 10 years, than LakewoodAlive and their marvelous volunteers.

I think many of the things they are doing are grand, and very needed. I also understand
the city's need for a CDC.

However, I believe it is very valid to wonder about credentials, success, plans before we
even think of putting all of our eggs in one basket.

I do not think anything Sharon has asked, I have asked or the person that managed the
Spooky Pooch Parade have asked that was deserving of the tirade, and the bullying that
followed. Those that know me, understand I am a very easy going person, until someone
tries their "way" with people underserving as such. I can dish it out as well as anyone, and
hope I can take it in return.

TRANSPARENCY and accountability is desperately needed in this city at all levels. It is great
they are doing the minimum, with creative but legal bookkeeping, but we all deserve more.

I think this is what we are really asking and dealing with.

Accountability is not sending in the water boy to say, "everything is ok, move along."
Accountability is XXXX brought in, XXXX given out, XXX paid for whatever. You should
be put into the position you were in, glossing over anything.

The fact is, LA has every right to run their programs and say, $10,000 brought in, $1,000
to charity, $2,000 for the next year, the rest went into funding for other stuff. Which is all
anyone was really asking. But when a group dependent on public funds decide to attack
belittle, and insult tax payers, then I say let the rumble begin, those left standing can
smile. As Sharon so amptly points out, those that hide things have reasons to hide things.
That action should be allowed to be talked about in the open so others can learn and
decide, is there where I want to spend money or not.

This is what is all so odd about all of this.

.

Shawn that would be the graffiti paragraph.

Wow!

sharon kinsella wrote:Shawn that would be the graffiti paragraph.

Wow!

Huh?

Were you prepared to explain what the nitty gritty is or what information needs to be disclosed that will prove any of the hub bub is justified?

Jim
I'm sorry bud, I'm still not seeing the problem here. You keep calling for accountability but when responses are provided it seems like they are not taking root with some. This is only my observation, but the same thing seemed to happen when we privately discussed the geographic boundries of mainstreet (which happened in online discussions as well).
Is this a matter that we are really trying to hash out and understand more completely or is hitting lakewood alive just a drum beat that is always going to keep rhythm on the deck regardless of anything to the contrary?
If so let me know so I can stop trying to reason it out and can just accept that there's some emotional thing that is driving the behavior and it's not something that can be resolved at a higher level.

Shawn Juris wrote:Jim
If so let me know so I can stop trying to reason it out and can just accept that there's some emotional thing that is driving the behavior and it's not something that can be resolved at a higher level.

Shawn

I am waiting for you to start trying to reason this out, or at least apply a small amount
of critical thought.

But I suppose that is too much to ask.


.

Shawn,
I happend to be at Paneras for another reason Saturday. What exactly was the program about? Did it generate money or cost LA money? What was the purpose of the groups getting together and who were their target audiences?

Thank you.

OK, I have tried to stay out of this...well the Spooky Pooch Parade thing...but let me explain my anger towards it...

Being the only dog rescue in the city (well rescue...you know where I am not euthanizing the majority of the cats that come in my door and sending the dogs away...I treat everything...) I was so happy to be included the first year. It got me out there, people got to know me, and the nice boy scout troop next to me gave me more dog biscuits than I could imagine. People gave donations, wanted to know more and I lost my voice talking about "rescue" to several.

I was in talks with people about the next year being bigger, better, and more donations towards my group as well. YAY!! More support for my tiny group? OMG that would be great. I was so happy. Then I find out that I am not included. Yet I am not even invited. I saw a website where if I wanted to join the "fun" I had to pay for a spot and bring my own stuff. WHAT??? The year before that, I did not have to pay anything, and a table was there for me. Now I have to pay and bring my own. But wait? I am the dog rescue in this city...shouldn't I be a part of it? NOPE!!!! I was NEVER invited, but I can assure you several groups from OTHER cities were. (they let me know and they asked me what I was not a bigger part of it..they were confused) "They" asked another group to come, and yes they could bring their dogs for a price for each dog. So this group would have to pay almost 100 dollars (and they too are non-profit) to come and talk about their group and bring dogs that need homes dressed up. WHAT????? I would have to pay to bring a foster dog in a costume, just so I can find him a home? (and I showed you my financials...do you think I could afford to spend money on something like a parade? no I honestly could not afford to spend the money for that. i had to vet dogs and buy food. every single penny counts here)

I was sad, hurt and almost wanted to quit rescue at least here in Lakewood. There are still days that I feel like I want to leave the city and just quit.

I get the shelter needing money, trust me I do. But why not other groups in Lakewood? Why not have all proceeds go to charity?

Ok that is all I really have to say on this. Just I was hurt, saddened by the events and felt shut out again.

And that's it in a nutshell. Bless your heart Missy.