PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

If you could vote, would you vote to eliminate the Art Council of Kern(ACK)? I know what you are thinking…”is Jim nuts?” Your Board ofSupervisors proposed just that. On Monday night I went to the KernCounty Board of Supervisors Budget Hearings along with Kristy Wells toappeal this decision. The final decision will be announced at the closeof budget hearings. The ACK is a minor fiscal player in the Countybudget. Most of their funds are generated from businesses, donors,foundations and State support. Eliminating the ACK will only divertthese funds to other programs. The Supervisors’ decision stirred up ahornet’s nest in the commu-nity. Art supporters came out of thewoodwork to protest. Emails flew, telephone calls plugged lines atCounty offices and protests sprang up. Thanks to all of you whoresponded to appeals to support the ACK. Your voices were heard.