Here are two conversations from the 1/7/14 Commission meeting:
Not only can we not do a lot of things, because we don't have the money, but we can't afford a lobbyist. Two lobbyists approached us, offering service, and they wanted somewhere around $13K. We have $2K available. As Roxy Ross pointed out, the last time we had a lobbyist, we got some State money. This year, we just really don't have the money to pay a lobbyist.
There are two events coming up that do or could affect us. One is the League of Cities banquet, and the other is a law enforcement event, for which one of our officers has been nominated for an award. The problem is we have to pay to attend. Even the nominee has to pay. It's about $150 a seat for each event. We have enough in one account to pay for the nominee, the Chief, and the Captain to attend the law enforcement event. We don't have enough to pay for Commissioners or the Manager to attend. Roxy Ross said she would pay for her own ticket. David Coviello said he didn't want to put his Commission colleagues "on the spot," but he would pay for his ticket, too.
I have season tickets to some arts organizations, like GableStage, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and Sunday Afternoons of Music. Because I think these organizations do an excellent job, I also give them a donation beyond the price of the season ticket. I could have gotten on the Board of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, but I couldn't afford it. To get on the Board, you have to donate $10K a year. Right, if you're on the Board, they don't pay you; you pay them. One of my friends is the CEO of a non-profit arts agency. Her Board Chair supplies tens of thousands of dollars, or more, every year to keep the agency afloat.
Sometimes, this is what you have to do. You are privileged to be called upon to pay more money. We all support the Village more than it supports us. Presumably, we get back something worth more than money.
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