George points to this claim from an unsigned (how quaint) editorial at the News & Record regarding funding for a proposed performing arts center in Greensboro:
"They have private pledges totaling $20 million."That has come nowhere near being substantiated to any thinking person's satisfaction. It is an undocumented assertion.
In fact, the task force pushing the project has refused to identify any donors or otherwise provide any substantiation to their claims that they have $20 million to contribute to this project — as reported in the News & Record.
The anonymous writer(s?) of the editorial are trying to lead Greensboro in a whirl of the Ol' Greensboro Okee Doke™ and we're not going to dance along, thank you.
I asked the City Council in an e-mail on Monday: Why can't the Task Force at least disclose the number of donors pledging, the largest dollar amount pledged and the lowest amount pledged?
ReplyDeleteNo response yet (the question was just part of my e-mail)...
What's the big deal in providing an aggregate of the pledges that doesn't specifically identify who is making the pledge?
I don't buy the need for anonymity in the first place. People almost always appreciate, if not expect, recognition from these kinds of donations. That's why they are often rewarded with plaques, their names in programs on seats and through other kinds of public thanks. This complete secrecy is more of the kind of thing one would expect if the $20m wasn't really there yet.
ReplyDeleteStill, what is wrong with the project contacting its donors and saying something like this:
"Thank you for your pledge. For this project to be successful, the public rightly needs assurance that the private portion of its financing is in place. In order to assure public trust and, therefor, the project's success, we will be disclosing the names of the people who have pledged and the amount of their pledges. If you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know and we will report your pledge amount without your name."
Totally agree, Roch. I would be telling everyone I know that I pledged $$$ to the GPAC.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I don't care who it is, just the assurance that the money WILL be there.
Big difference between pledging money and writing the check...
Right, which is why we would like to actually see a little more than $20 in pledges because not every penny is going to come through.
ReplyDeleteIt's just a matter of honest practicality. If the best backers have been able to do is $14M in pledges, so be it. Let us at least move forward in an honest and responsible fashion from where ever it is we actually stand.
What this deal needs is a Kickstarter campaign.
ReplyDeleteHello Sir, My Name is Mubasy Ukabam, most recently chief council for the honorable First Nigeria Bank President who was forced into exile leaving a personal $20 million dollars in the bank.
ReplyDeleteWe most urgently seek someone to help retrieve the funds which will be rewarded with a sum of $1 million US....
Dear Mr. Ukabam, what perfect timing. How does the Ukabam Performing Arts Center strike you?
ReplyDelete