Letter writer condemns mailer attacking Burgis’ salary from non-profit
Dear Editor:
In yesterday’s mail I received an attempt at a smear ad for one of our local candidates for County Supervisor, Diane Burgis. The claim, in bold red font, states that she intends to draw a salary and benefits for that position, paid for by the taxpayers. Does candidate Steve Barr, therefore, intend to forfeit his salary and benefits if elected?
Further, it attempts to slam her for drawing a salary as Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW). She can’t be chastised for drawing a salary for that work, as she is paid with grant funding to organize and mobilize volunteers, engage in community outreach, run successful creek cleanups of our local watershed, and support academy internships for local students. FOMCW saves the County money, especially with the trash cleanups. She has done a fine job linking people of all ages to their local environment and to the scientific community.
I find the ad misleading, lacking integrity, and unprofessional. I hope fellow community members see through the lame attempt by big oil and so-called “criminal prosecutors” to discredit a person who has fought for improved health of our local environment. I doubt these folks from Sacramento have ever organized a community volunteer force like Diane Burgis has.
I’m going to donate more money to FOMCW out of spite for this negative political ad. The community organization has done a fantastic job over the fifteen years I’ve been familiar with it, and it is an honor to continue to support FOMCW as well as Diane Burgis for County Supervisor.
Sincerely,
Spencer Holmes
Brentwood
Spencer, The mailer claims that 72% of the donations to Diane’s non profit go to her salary. I can’t find anything on google or charity navigator whether this is true or not. Can you clarify?
Eileen,
The place to find out about the annual financial reports of non-profit organizations is http://www.guidestar.org. They have a paid subscription service. But, here’s what I found for free about the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed – http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2014/263/772/2014-263772965-0b7158ac-Z.pdf
It shows the organization’s tax return for 2013. That year the total revenue was $66,256 and the amount paid for “Professional fees and payments made to independent contractors” was $57,598 or 86.9% of the revenues.
Allen Payton, Publisher
Thanks!