Town Warrant Article 26 - Two Thumbs Down
Two 'Grok Thumbs Down
This is like the earlier Non-Governmental Organizations (or, if you prefer, "Outside Agencies") - social organizations that wish to do their fundraising via soliciting tax money from governmental bodies instead of broad appeals to the general public.
Article 26: To see if the taxpayers of the Town of Gilford will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to support the activities and facilities of the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization that operates a variety of sailing programs for residents of the Lakes Region. These programs include: a Youth Sailing School; a Community Sailing Program for adults; and a soon to be established Adaptive Sailing Program for physically and mentally challenged children and adults, including wounded veterans returning from combat operations. Programs are open to all Lakes Region residents regardless of their ability to pay. (Submitted by Petition) (Not Recommended by the Board of Selectmen, Not recommended by the Budget Committee).
Principle: Charities should fundraise from citizens, not their governments.
Our recommendation to our fellow citizens is to vote "No".
Our recommendation to the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association is to reach out to citizens instead of the Towns; solicit charitable donations and not tax money.
