March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Annapolis Asks For Money

UPDATE 11:26pm, 12/14/2010: We just received an email from Alderman Paone (R- Ward 2) who advised that he had not seen the letter until it was sent to him by Eye On Annapolis.

If you have a little change to spare this holiday season, the City of Annapolis is interested in it.

We obtained a copy of a letter distributed to local businesses and residents by Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen seeking donations to help out the city.

Annapolis fundraising letter

There are many things that do not sit right with this letter. First of all, who is “Business Partnership Annapolis?” They are not a registered entity in Maryland according to the State Department of Assesments and Taxation. Is this a non-profit organization? A Political Action Committee? A private business?

Why is the Mayor soliciting outside funds for items that historically were handled within the confines of the annual budget? Is our spending so out of line with the budget that we need to beg for money from local businesses?

But, most troubling are the requests for a City Special Projects Fund to provide a picnic for employees and The Cohen Fund to respond to requests for charity.

When businesses are weathering the recession and cutting back on employee perks (many companies, if not most, no longer provide full coverage health care for their employees), the City is planning summertime picnics. Just this afternoon, the Mayor tweeted

Enjoyed hosting the holiday party for our hardworking #Annapolis City employees. Thank you for your dedication during these difficult times.

But tomorrow morning, he will hold out the City’s hand begging businesses to pay for this event.

We contacted the Mayor’s office this afternoon to see if we could get some answers and unfortunately they were few and far between. Phill McGowan, the Mayor’s spokesperson said that this was being held in order to ask supporters for a contribution one time rather than going back multiple times throughout the year asking for support. (See McGowan’s email below)

When questioned about the various funds, some of which are tax deductible and others are not, McGowan advised that the City is seeking a “title sponsor” for the New Years Eve celebration planned this year at a cost of $20,000. Additionally, they are looking for $10,000 to sponsor a “Legislative Reception” welcoming state lawmakers back to the City. $20,000 for the Fourth of July celebration. The reception is being handled by Capitol Strategies, a registered lobbying firm whose address is the same as that of this “Business Partnership Annapolis.” Incidentally, the email address for Capitol Strategies included in the letter is incorrect and directs to a New York based venture firm.

Regarding the Special Events Fund, this is for employee luncheons, City Hall Open Houses and other “non-budgeted” items.

Perhaps most disturbing is the Cohen Community Fund. This is specifically not affiliated with the City and will be used to support area non-profits identified by the Mayor. It appears the Mayor, in essence, has set up a private foundation in his name and is looking to have local businesses and supporters fund it.

In past years, there were line items in the budget where the City supported local non-profits. With the economy, the amounts have been severely curtailed (as expected) but running this through a non-City affiliated charity controlled by the Mayor does not seem right.

McGowan advised that the Mayor would address any concerns at the meeting or after the meeting by phone.

We sent emails to all eight Aldermen this afternoon regarding this new initiative and did not receive any response. If anyone responds, we will be sure to make an update.

Text of email received from Phill McGowan, spokesperson for Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen:

For your background:

The mayor is holding a unique fundraiser at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Loews Annapolis Hotel. This free breakfast event is an opportunity to raise funds for City events and other causes. Many business and community leaders are expected to attend, and the media is invited. The idea of the event, according to Mayor Cohen, is that during these tough economic times, the City needs to find ways to raise the funds to put on important events that well represent the state capital without seeking to raise fees or taxes. In the past, businesses have been inundated with requests for donations. The mayor views this fundraiser as an opportunity to generate funds for several events extending well into next year. The event is being coordinated by Capitol Strategies and the Mayor’s Office.

For those who can attend, the mayor is happy to speak with you about it on-site. For those who can’t, he can follow up with an interview by phone.

Below is the list of the funds for which donations are being sought. Donations to the City of Annapolis and the Cohen Community Fund are tax-deductible.

I am out of the office on Wednesday. Media inquiries should be directed to Rhonda Wardlaw: [email protected] or 410-562-8970.

Legislative Reception Fund
Title Sponsor $10,000
This annual event is the signature welcome event for returning Legislators on the opening night of the Legislative Session.  Held at the iconic Governor Calvert House and co-hosted by Speaker Michael E. Busch, this isalways a well attended and enjoyable event.

The costs associated with hosting this event are not tax deductible and are paid for by donations to theAnnapolis Welcome Group.  This is aprivate fund managed and administered by Capitol Strategies LLC, a registered state lobbying firm.  It is not affiliated with the City of Annapolis government.

Annapolis New Year’s Eve Fund
Title Sponsor $20,000
As the Capital City, there is no better place to enjoy fireworks and ring in the New Year. The Annapolis community has come to look forward to Downtown turning into a festive place to enjoy New Year’s Eve.  The average attendance for this event is 5,000. This fund pays for costs associated with fireworks, entertainment, and logistics such as tenting. Contributions to this activity are tax deductible and are payable to the City of Annapolis.

Annapolis July 4th Celebration Fund
Title Sponsor $20,000
The 4th of July inAnnapolis has become synonymous with parades, fireworks, and represents one of our greatest American holidays. This fund covers the costs associated with fireworks and a parade. Contributions to this activity are tax deductible and are payable to theCity of Annapolis.

City Activity Fund
There are often events or projects that arise that are not budgeted into the official City budget.  Projects such as employee luncheons,senior health forums, and City Hall open house are typically paid for using outside funding.  These types of events are important to keeping traditions and maintaining the spirit of City Government.  Contributions to this activity are tax deductible and are payable to the City of Annapolis.

Cohen Community Fund
Mayor Cohen established the Cohen Community Fund as a charitable fund through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.  It is not affiliated with the City of Annapolis government. Its purpose is to support area non-profit community initiatives and charitable activities identified by Mayor Cohen in consultation with an advisory board. Contributions to this fund are tax deductible. Donations should be made payable to the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County and designated for the Cohen Community Fund.

It should be noted that the invite to attend the breakfast to Eye On Annapolis was only made after we had made an inquiry about the letter.

All of these items, in years past, were handled by the budget. This mid year plea seems to indicate that the budget is not as “on track” as expected. The Mayor campaigned on not raising taxes or fees and this seems like an attempt to keep that promise. It may work in the short term, but what does it say when a City needs to beg for money to bridge a budget gap?

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