The hypocrisy of this message is astounding!
The local Chamber of Commerce has always stated that it is non-political. This may be true excepting when it comes around to election time on issues or candidates that might favor developers, businesses and Realtors. You see, the more building that goes on, perhaps the more members they get and consequently more money from dues and people they can influence.
The United Chambers of Commerce (UCC) is a non-profit 501(c). I just spoke with the CEO of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber and she says that they can do this. They are the same type of corporation, 501(c)(3(6)) nonprofit organization and therefore they cannot engage in political campaigning. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status should be ever vigilant about this prohibition -- a violation could result in severe consequences.
The federal tax law is very strict on the issue of political campaigning: A 501(c)(3) organization is absolutely forbidden to directly or indirectly participate in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office or political issue. Violation of this prohibition could lead the IRS to completely revoke the organization's tax-exempt status or impose excise taxes on your organization.
Greg Rice, is on the Board of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the Planning & Zoning board of Lake Worth. He owns property in the area affected by heights. He formed a political action committee to fight the citizens referendum as he has a special interest in this election. It is always about money. On the other hand, the referendum is supported by those with no special interest other than love for city and keeping it a low-rise.
From: Christopher McVoy <CMcVoy@LakeWorth.org>
Date: March 8, 2013 15:32:54 EST
To: "jaene@cpbchamber.com"
Cc: Howard Willie whoward@pbpost.com
Subject: Signs - Accurate or Misleading? Hi Jaene,
Thank you very much for talking with me. I appreciate that the Chamber may take positions that I do not agree with from time to time. What I was not aware of when I called was the actual text on the signs in front of the Chamber (I had not zoomed in).
Unless you can explain to me how voting "No" will, as stated on the sign, "Help Lake Worth Stay Lo-Rise," I respectfully ask that the signs be immediately removed. I have no problem with signs that say vote No, but these signs are deliberately misleading and need to go.
Please let me know how this will be addressed. I would be appreciative of hearing back today!
Thanks Jaene y saludos,
Christopher McVoy, Ph.D.
City Commissioner, District 2, Lake Worth
561.398.6115
Note: Commissioner McVoy has not yet heard back from the Chamber's CEO (surprised anyone?) (CEO has the day off today) and it continues to display deceptive signs on Amendment 2 that even by placing them on their property may jeopardize their tax exempt status. Perhaps someone can get in touch with the IRS and inquire about this as their campaigning has nothing to do with their political arm in Tallahassee. These are signs by The Friends of the Gulfstream, not the Chamber.
OMG what a phony group. Greg you have to go. Loretta you too. Take Chip, Teresa, Mary, Wes and all the other bullies with you.
ReplyDeletei guess the chamber who has a business next door who cooks food from a rv that is against code but they let them do it anyway--maybe if they pass heights they can cook from a double decker--but the building on the property is a peice of s---and should be bulldozed
ReplyDeletethe chamber should go--they have been useless--but wants everyone to give money to them--- mrs burns should go to --she was a very bad ---that why people voted her out as commish---hillbilly
ReplyDeleteChris get a job yet? How come he never said anything about the garage build down the street from his house? Nice blog ya got here, stay classy.
ReplyDeleteI am going to contact the IRS. I hope they lose their ASSES!!!!!
ReplyDelete