Hudson Area Library Foundation (HALF) Rinos of the Day

Comments

1. embers says:

   3/22/2008 at 5:34 pm

   I know 2 of these people through other organizations, and I’m surprised that they are supporting this boondoggle.
2. Pavil says:

   3/22/2008 at 7:06 pm

   After reading the letter to the Star Observer complaining about political materials on display in a public building I did a little research. Over in Hudson there appear to be two “charitable organizations” formed to support the library. Both the Hudson Library Foundation and the Friends of the Hudson Public Library are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. This seems to be the main premise behind the Foundation taking the lead on the proposed library project, with the donations from the public to the Foundation being tax deductible as long as the Foundation has that 501(c)3 status. Only problem here is that 501(c)3 organizations are PROHIBITED from political activity. Education is acceptable. Political advocacy is not allowed. Read the letter again. Embers recognizes that these are pretty savvy people. Signed by the entire board of the organization in their official capacity as representatives of the organization, this letter looks a lot like political activity by the Foundation. They’ll say it is only educational since the words “vote for” or “support” don’t appear.

   Mr. Hornung called the foundation a political committee. He raises an excellent point. The foundation certainly is not political. Neither is the Friends group. I’d be surprised if either group has registered as a political action committee. I would actually be surprised if any group had filed as such. Under state election laws this would be required of any group producing yard signs, buttons, flyers, etc. Registration is file with the local clerks of the municipalities holding the elections, i.e. a separate filing with Hudson, NH, and Towns where the referendum is on the ballot. This is easy to check. These two non-profit organizations are walking a very fine line if they try to influence the referendum without jeopardizing their tax status. When the yard signs show up it will be interesting to see what group is listed on the “paid for by _____”.
3. No Runny Eggs » Blog Archive » The Morning Scramble - 3/24/2008 says:

   3/24/2008 at 6:54 am

   [...] would rather have a chocolate egg). – Tom McMahon sums up the Winter That Won’t Die™. – Ruthless is hunting RINOs out in northwest Wisconsin. Good hunting. – I’m surprised Jib didn’t get the [...]

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