Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission_Hemmer ResignationMay 20, 2013
Fellow commissioners:
I want to inform you that I will not be applying for a renewal on the
commission. It has been an educational and enlightening experience working
and interacting with you. I truly believe no individual should remain in any public
position that involves the disbursement of taxpayer money for more than a few
years. There are many qualified citizens in the arts community who should step
forward to fill the seats of anyone who has been on this board for multiple terms.
When I retired from broadcasting to accept the position at the Grand
Opera House it was to help re- establish this icon of Dubuque culture to a position
of respect, return it to a position of financial stability and keep the doors open.
They truly were ready to close forever. My board of directors and a large and
growing segment of the public apparently feel that we are succeeding, but like
the experience of many non - profits, at times it has been a bumpy road.
In observing the surprisingly low scores for the Grand from several
commissioners it is obvious that I need to devote all my time to assuring the
continued success of our facility so that we are deemed worthy of more
significant financial support in the future.
I have always voted honestly and without prejudice for the best interests of
our community when judging operational support applications or special project
grants. It is my hope that all commissioners present and future will do the same.
Paul Hemmer