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Resident urges Measure J Commission to require repayment of $100,000 Public Arts loan
Summary
During public comment, resident David Hein urged the Measure J Commission not to forgive a $100,000 loan made to the Public Arts Commission and said forgiveness would set a poor precedent; commissioners said the matter would be agendized for further consideration.
David Hein addressed the Measure J Commission during the non-agenda public-comment period to urge repayment of a $100,000 loan previously extended to the Public Arts Commission. Hein said forgiving the loan would be imprudent and a poor precedent for Measure J funds.
Hein noted he attended the Public Arts Commission hearing and said forgiving the debt would be “giving away $100,000 of taxpayer money that really isn't required.” He told the Commission that, if more time is needed, the Public Arts Commission could request an extension rather than asking for forgiveness.
Context and commission response: Chair Sibkins had earlier recalled that both Public Arts Commission Chair Gary Armstrong and administrative staff member Jay Varada appeared at a prior meeting to request $100,000 in loan forgiveness. At the April 16 meeting commissioners and staff acknowledged the public comment and said the loan-forgiveness request would be discussed further and placed on a future agenda; no forgiveness vote or formal action occurred during this meeting.
Next steps: The Commission will consider the request at a future meeting and has not made a decision on forgiveness or repayment terms.
