It was released by Mayor Jeffrey Prang (don't be too impressed, it's a rotational titled held by 4 of the current Council members multiple, sometimes many multiple times), that the city spent nearly 1 million dollars for tonight's fright fest, without recouping any of that. In other words, it's a one million dollar event that generates little if any income. If his stats are true, and they are check-able if interested, just not by me, cause I am not that interested.
What this city squanders money on has always been suspect by the residents , from the approximate 100K for a Bookfair that serves many non West Hollywood residents, and by some accounts, at the cost of $57 per visitor. The Human Rights Speaker series, has always been a cricket fest, with mostly the same 45 (if that) people attending, with hard costs of a suggested $9000. And we can't forget The Rainbow Key Awards. Had it not been for one of the former members, they would have cost the Lesbian and Gay Advisory board another 7-9000k of their budget in hotel rental, meals awards and invitations, along with what seems like a non bid filming fee paid to one of its own members one year.
I say this not in anger. All city's have programs, and they don't always need to generate money. Sometimes they are for the enjoyment of the public.
Here are some other things 1 million could do for the public of West Hollywood
1 million could put an elevator into the Werle Building and fix damages on the second floor to make it an open space for gay community members, (since this city is aprox 42% gay) yet has no provided "gay space".
It could provide Social Services with an abundance of options, like capital improvements on our aged existing recovery houses. There are no new beds. We need to keep the buildings that house the beds we have, in repair.
Maybe 1 million could put some more sheriffs on duty, to prevent some of the unknown, unreported or under the radar hate crime violence.
Pay for a code enforcement officer or two. Or three or four.
Provide extra emergency rent assistance for those in trouble financially because of loss of employment.
I know these are all silly things. A street fair is much more of a need. It couldn't possibly be a half million dollar party. That wouldn't do. This is West Hollywood. Where money is spent like monopoly money, and the deciding officials simply keep playing decades of musical chairs.
I had fun though. I took some vids. Enjoy them.
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