Here’s to our extremely necessary and important foundation on our Hill.
ARF has saved and rescued countless lives of helpless, tortured and abandoned four-footed friends, giving them a new lease on health and fortunate “fun ever” homes with their new found families.
The recent fundraiser “Idyllwild needs a Mayor” yielded ARF much needed funds — a little over $30,000. Wow!
“Candidates,” 14 dogs and two cats, with their “campaign managers” devoted their time and countless hours and efforts raising funds for this benefit — walking, driving and begging for contributions.
However, and it is a huge “However,” one manager, namely Phyllis Mueller, made it a personal campaign, donating huge sums of money to elect “Max for Mayor.” Monies which would have served as additional benefits for ARF.
Yes, it was a very generous donation, but totally misdirected. Yes, of course the funds reached the coffers of ARF not as a direct donation to ARF but as a mayoral contribution to “Max for Mayor.”
Many comments have been made regarding this situation. We would like to share a quote or two made by Mrs. Mueller to the Valley Chronicle (July 4, 2012), “We’re pretty excited about it,” Mueller said. “I was dedicated to having him [Max] win.”
And about the 2013 election if it does occur, she said, “My thought is to give every dog a chance. It wouldn’t be fair to buy every election.”
We say, let’s flaunt our wealth — boo!
She mailed thousands of full-color photo-mailers to nearly all local residents. She even considered having a sky-writing company fly over Idyllwild with a banner saying “Vote for Max,” but reconsidered when the price would be about $11,000 — How sad!
This and all the newspaper ads and huge banners throughout town were absolutely absurd and egotistical.
In the years to come, if this fundraiser is promoted, it has been suggested hat $100 should be the limit in campaign funds.
Each candidate should provide a certificate of spay or neuter — one of ARF’s important education endeavors.
Max is a loving and gentle 11–1/2-year-old who proudly struts around town displaying his family jewels — what irony.
Vice Mayor Hogan and I thought about separating ourselves from ARF. After really thinking about it, we would defeat the purpose of ARF and all its wonderful work.
No, we will remain loyal and support ARF. Hopefully for future projects, ground rules will be set forth and proper practices will be followed.
We thank ARF for our “Angel of the Year” award and again Paws Up for ARF and all its faithful volunteers.
Madelaine Barnett Cresswell, Campaign Manager
and Hogan, Idyllwild Vice Mayor
