Palm Springs Art Museum Endorses Sales Tax Hike
Dear Fellow Palm Springs Residents:
I have been a member of the Palm Springs Art Museum since 2004. When I first joined it was known as the Palm Springs Desert Museum. The museum is a charitable foundation which serves a valuable community function. It's one that has always had my respect and enthusiastic support.
When I returned home this evening I noticed a large envelope from the museum in my mail. Imagine my shock and surprise when I opened the envelope and found it contained a political mailing from the museum Chairman and the Executive Director. The political mailer was one discussing Measure J on the Palm Springs November ballot - the one percent (1%) Sales Tax hike measure. Their letter stated "It is crucial that this valuable measure be supported by all museum members". The letter ended with a note that a political piece from the "Vote YES On Measure J" campaign was enclosed and indeed the envelope contents included a glossy two-sided political flyer intended to persuade me to vote yes on Measure J.
I am aware that charitable organizations are permitted to engage in this type of practice. Nevertheless, it has long been my policy to not support charitable organizations that seek to influence opinions on political issues unrelated to their direct funding or continued existence. Measure J does not affect museum funding and is not associated with its continued existence. The only relationship between Measure J and the museum is that renovation of the Desert Fashion Plaza would satisfy certain items on museum management's wish list. I don't consider satisfying museum wish list interests sufficient reason for their involvement in Measure J!
In my opinion, the letter I received from the museum represents misuse of the membership mailing list. Today I no longer believe the museum is worthy of my continued support. I now I seriously question whether I should renew when my membership renewal date arrives. I should also add my sorrow that museum officials have chosen to involve our wonderful organization in an issue as serious and controversial as taxing residents to pay for renovation costs of Desert Fashion Plaza. Their having done so is deeply, deeply troubling. As for the two museum officials who signed the letter, I view their actions as unworthy of persons who genuinely care about the museum, its future and its membership.
Bond Shands
I have been a member of the Palm Springs Art Museum since 2004. When I first joined it was known as the Palm Springs Desert Museum. The museum is a charitable foundation which serves a valuable community function. It's one that has always had my respect and enthusiastic support.
When I returned home this evening I noticed a large envelope from the museum in my mail. Imagine my shock and surprise when I opened the envelope and found it contained a political mailing from the museum Chairman and the Executive Director. The political mailer was one discussing Measure J on the Palm Springs November ballot - the one percent (1%) Sales Tax hike measure. Their letter stated "It is crucial that this valuable measure be supported by all museum members". The letter ended with a note that a political piece from the "Vote YES On Measure J" campaign was enclosed and indeed the envelope contents included a glossy two-sided political flyer intended to persuade me to vote yes on Measure J.
I am aware that charitable organizations are permitted to engage in this type of practice. Nevertheless, it has long been my policy to not support charitable organizations that seek to influence opinions on political issues unrelated to their direct funding or continued existence. Measure J does not affect museum funding and is not associated with its continued existence. The only relationship between Measure J and the museum is that renovation of the Desert Fashion Plaza would satisfy certain items on museum management's wish list. I don't consider satisfying museum wish list interests sufficient reason for their involvement in Measure J!
In my opinion, the letter I received from the museum represents misuse of the membership mailing list. Today I no longer believe the museum is worthy of my continued support. I now I seriously question whether I should renew when my membership renewal date arrives. I should also add my sorrow that museum officials have chosen to involve our wonderful organization in an issue as serious and controversial as taxing residents to pay for renovation costs of Desert Fashion Plaza. Their having done so is deeply, deeply troubling. As for the two museum officials who signed the letter, I view their actions as unworthy of persons who genuinely care about the museum, its future and its membership.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
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Posted by Desert Observer at 9/21/2011 7:50 PM 
Categories: Politics, Desert Fashion Plaza
Tags: Desert Fashion Plaza Palm Springs Art Museum
Categories: Politics, Desert Fashion Plaza
Tags: Desert Fashion Plaza Palm Springs Art Museum
It would be in the interest of the opponents to measure to publish the names of the two PS Art museum employees or directors or whatever. To omit them is disingeneous. I do not believe that the opposition to measure J should have any skelotons in it's closet nor omit ANY names or organizations that support it, or oppose it. I am in opposition to measure J, but please docome clean on any and all supportors and opponents otherwise this will will not fly with me or a lot of other concerned Palm Springs voters
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