FOTP sent out flyers in the mail

[pasayten]

Their PAC reports...


https://www.pdc.wa.gov/political-disclo ... 2023-32098

[Fun CH]

Looks like they can... But I wonder if the 501c3 donaters need to be aware of this? I would want my donated $ to go to the pool operations and not political purposes!

I checked with Kelly Zahn, their PAC representative about reviewing their books. I was going to met with them along with a former CPA, however we would only be looking at already publicly reported information that you seem to have already accessed Ray.

In her reply email I was informed that their PAC , The Committee for the Methow Aquatic Center, does not have access to the FOP donor list as they are separate organizations.

It seems to be a good setup to shield the donor list from public scrutiny. It would be helpful to know if outside money is indeed funding prop 1 and what role those money interests will play in any Metropolitan Park District here.

Architect? Construction Company? Corporate Officers? Supply Company?

[pasayten]

Wow! They spent near $3,000 on the flyers... That's a lot of $$... Were those funds from what folks donated to the FOTP most likely to keep the Twisp Pool running... Total for the campaign is $15,000.

Abracadabra Printing 10/11/2023
printing for bulk mailer (8.5 x 11 sheet 2,979 at $0.39 each) + address labels (2922 at $0.23 each) + postage ($956.67) +tax
Tukwila WA
$2,940.39

Can a 501c3 do this?

May a section 501(c)(3) organization make a contribution to a political organization described in section 527 (such as a candidate committee, political party committee or political action committee (PAC))?

No, a section 501(c)(3) organization may not make a contribution to a political organization described in section 527 (such as a candidate committee, political party committee or political action committee (PAC)). Nor may such an organization establish and maintain a separate segregated fund under section 527.


https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profi ... anizations

However, advocating for or against ballot initiatives or referendums during elections does not qualify as campaigning. As a result, charities may engage in this type of policy advocacy without endangering their tax-exempt status.

https://www.churchlawcenter.com/politic ... charities/

Looks like they can... But I wonder if the 501c3 donaters need to be aware of this? I would want my donated $ to go to the pool operations and not political purposes!

[pasayten]

I have talked to Justin about Proposition 1... I like him... He has a great heart for the community... Can't say that about some of the other FOTP folks.

[dorankj]

Justin Porter is an interesting character, I think the group used him as the face of a difficult to promote proposition. I know him in a different field.

[Fun CH]

Justin Porter texted me saying he expected the measure to go down, probably by a lot.

I did notice that they seem to avoid the term Metropolitan Park District which is actually what Prop 1 is about.

If prop 1 fails, I hope they don't see that as a loss because it just gets us closer to a reasonable pool plan without funding that hurts low income families.

If prop 1 passes, I will see that as a defeat of our Valley's cultural values and be pissed every time I look at the new McDonalds while I'm stopped at the new traffic light.

I remember when there was only one of those in our county and no McDonalds.

[SOulman]

Good for them. Another good strategic move despite the perception that opinions are already baked in.

Justin Porter texted me saying he expected the measure to go down, probably by a lot.

People should continue to write letters to the editor. Be respectful. Point out previous reporting and statements from proponents. Quote the feasibility study. Reference Ray's excellent website. Encourage people to read the voter's pamphlet.

[pasayten]

"RUSH HOUR GATHERING

Proposition 1 Supporters are asked to come show their solidarity and support for the Methow Aquatics District with a fun public gathering. Partake in a light- hearted competition to guess the number of 'yes' votes in the final vote tally and good vibes as we wave to cars along the highway.

**WHEN: Monday, October 23rd from 3:30-5:30 pm

**WHAT: Bring your yard signs and display your support for Proposition 1. It’s an opportunity to come together and encourage the valley to vote yes!

**WHERE: The park next to the Methow Valley Community Center

Still undecided? We will be on hand to answer your questions before you cast your ballot.

It's time to come together to say YES to a future of public swimming for the valley!"

[SOulman]

Well that's a big nothing-burger.

I guess lacking any substantive proposal they are trying to win over people who like going to meetings and want more opportunities in the future.

The proponents of the measure are well-intentioned good people but have not demonstrated any ability to plan, manage or deliver a large public project. All their sincere and hard work aside, they simply have not made a compelling case to voters.

[pasayten]

The flyer... No significant declaration of facts that need a letter to the editor... More just a difference of opinions. At least they gave up trying to defend the governing board as unelected.

In any case, you would not need a Metropolitan Park District to accomplish their stated goals.
Vote NO on Proposition 1!

[dorankj]

That publication is really more of an advocacy magazine for certain causes and one political viewpoint. I tried many times to provide the other side and honestly to defend mis-information and they really aren’t interested in presenting facts and truth, they just further the narrative they support.

[SOulman]

Ray -

Don't get your hopes up.

Don has yet to acknowledge or correct the misinformation he published as news this week.

[pasayten]

(Ray, you have already used your monthly quota; someone else will need to submit a letter.)

I will send one anyway... Hopefully if it corrects misinformation from the actual Proposition 1 ballot measure he will let it in...

[SOulman]

Content of the flyer aside, that is probably the only smart strategic thing they have done throughout the campaign.

At a late date just before ballots are in homes they can say just about anything without a meaningful way to fact check the message.

A letter to the editor is due Monday at 5:00 but there is no guarantee to be in the coming week's edition. (Ray, you have already used your monthly quota; someone else will need to submit a letter.)

If you see something, say something.

Steve Oulman

[pasayten]

FOTP Flyers are in today's mail. That cost them about $1500... Too expensive for us.

Will read it and if any misinformation will write a letter to the editor.