Remember Properties of Merit (POM)? In happier times, it raked in nearly all of its annual $351 thousand budget in state and other public money. Nearly 1/3 of that, $110 thousand, went right into executive director Sam Bennett's pocket. Of course, she helped set that salary herself. Hey, you think it's easy handing out garden rakes?Sam is no longer with POM. She's in D.C. No, she was not elected to Congress. She now heads up yet another nonprofit that promotes women in politics.
Looks like she jumped ship just in time, too, because funding at POM has dried up. S I tried calling several times last week, left several messages, and no one has returned my calls, even when I pose as Ed Rendell. I've been told that its two staff members have been laid off and the office is closed. No money. Communities planning on a program this year are still wondering what has happened to their ballots.
So if you're expecting a golden garden rake, better pick one up at a yard sale.
Update: We're Still Kicking! Just got off the horn with John M. Krumenacker, President of POM's Board. He tells me that POM is currently experiencing a cash crunch, but it's temporary. He expects that the staff will return and is just putting the finishing touches on a contract for a new Executive Director.
42 comments:
Gee . . . who didn't see this coming?
Sam played a lot of people for suckers with this program. It was alway's about her. It is worthwhile to point out this is an example of how state Democrats use our tax dollars to provide stipends for their loyal workers.
Scott Armstrong
Oh - Sam Bennett in the news!
Time to edit some tape?
You have gota be kidding us!
They had $300K to spend.
Bernie,
What this really shows us is how a state govt. program is giving
$300,000!!!! Hard-earned taxpayer dollars and look at the waste.
One can only wonder how many times on an annual basis, this is multiplied across the Commonwealth.
If only there was a watchdog Internet site that could alert PA. Residents to what is happening to their money.
We have no idea how POM got started and will not detract
from its originators,
but in Allentown, 20 years ago,
Betsy Levin, former Health Bureau director, initiated a footprint for a similar program at very little cost when she listened to a resident's suggestion and started to send letters of appreciation to "everyday" Allentonians thanking them for their efforts at keeping their yards and flowers and sidewalks in nice shape.
Bernie,
How do you know the program is broke?
Just another day in the jungle... swinging from one vine to another.
You can make some pretty good bucks$ off of the of non-profits!
PBS, Medical network, professional protestors... a couple that come to mind.
Scott Armstrong has it right, that's for sure. Sam took the money and ran. How much good could POM have actually done with POM if they didn't plow a third of their budget into Sam's pockets? (And that's assuming she didn't skim off the top of the other 2/3 of the budget.)
"How do you know the program is broke?"
Two different people told me it is broke, the staff is laid off, no one answers the phones and nobody returns any calls.
7:36 -
If we need a website to tell PA residents what is happening to their money, the battle is long lost.
There is more than enough evidence of waste and abuse by both parties - though I think the dems are more prolific - to prove representative government in PA has failed miserably.
The loyal subjects are well aware of wasteful spending. But the schtuping is now part of everyday life, and it is both expected and accepted.
What did they need phones for?
Does this mean that Sam WON'T be running for office anytime soon? And furthermore, I win my bet with Pam?
POM RIP
"Take the money and run..."
$300,000 to keep a Democrat in a political parking space from which to launch a Congressional campaign.
We'd have gotten a better deal if we'd parked her with the other hammock dwellers at the bridge commission.
And government like this wants to run health care?
A cash crunch. Why doesn't Sam lend them some?
The update indicates this ridiculous ass (the program) is still breathing and needs to be properly shot, in order that we may be put out of our misery.
It deserves not a dime of public funding. Who is the next connected candidate-to-be who'll slop there?
No phones. No staff. No rakes. Nothing. Not a dime more.
I was in the Butz building several times in the past two months, and the POM offices are locked up. Although I did, on one visit, see Bennett carrying boxes of files and papers into the building. I won't venture a guess what that was all about.
As for my bet with AJ, I have a feeling I'm buying him a hamburger dinner: It looks like Ms. Bennett may be staying in DC for the foreseeable future. But I still have four months for her to change her mind.
Dear Mr. John M. Krumenacker,
I'm currently unemployed, but willing to do nothing while waiting to run against Charlie Dent. I understand you have a ridiculous no-show job available to keep me in shoes until the campaign is finished.
I have no experience with rakes, but wouldn't mind "raking in" a few bucks, if you feel me here (lol). We're all on the same team and all in this together. Dent has to go and I have bills to pay and you want to help the team. It's all a perfectly logical fit.
I'll not attach a resume, as they're counter-productive and limiting. I'm certain you'll find me perfect for the job - whatever it actually is or does!
Warmest regards,
Candidate X
We're Still Kicking! Just got off the horn with John M. Krumenacker,
Ya gota give this guy credit~! He's positive in a slightly grey economy. Wish him the best.
Pamela Varkony said...
I was in the Butz building several times in the past two months, and the POM offices are locked up.
Dear Mrs. Varkiony,
It wasn't YOU who took those pencils. Please say it isn't so.
Thought of you all weekend and the glorious and so special time for your loved ones. Warmest Regards sent. Now, about those pencils.
Dear 9:42.
We weren't trying to point fingers at any politican party, more a general observation.
NOT Betsy's mom: But she could run this program, efficiently, honestly, ethically, and account for every single taxpayer cent.
Nice pic.
It's her new one.
Wow - a real surprise. Didn't anyone notice the stiletto heels and whip a long time ago?
I think some readers need more evidence though that the office is closed. They seem to think your unsubstantiated observation is not accurate.
Oh say it isn't so. We all love Sam so much. The woman who wanted a congressional seat but really never had a stitch of experience.
Typical Allentown. Someone will probably ask her to run for governor soon. I guess they like the hair.
You go girl! Sam knows where the money is.
Why would anyone with any credibility want to return an Ohair phonecall. who are you anyway? Oh I know, "King of the Stupids".
The only difference between Sam and Stoffa is he won and she lost.
They both been sucking on the public tit forever.
To Scott Armstrong
"It is worthwhile to point out this is an example of how state Democrats use our tax dollars to provide stipends for their loyal workers."
I don't think Democrats have a monopoly on this. Republicans have been lining their pockets as well for decades.
I know I arrived late at this party....but what is the ethnic origin or explanation of Sam Bennet's first name? Is that Gaelic?
It is a Gaelic name.
Sam's in DC?
Wow, she takes a licking and keeps on ticking!
POM returning?? WHY??? Somehow SB or one of her croneys will find a way to milk this useless program for another year. Break out the rakes!!
Bernie,
The Coplay Town Watch POM Awards Reception is 10/10/09, Saturday, 6 to 8 PM at the beautiful American Club of Coplay Pavilion. This will be our 3rd Annual POM event. The first two were standing room only held at Samuel Owens Restaurant. The event and program are well received in Coplay. The goal is to have the program as self sufficient as possible.
It needs to be pointed out that throughout Pennsylvania far more tax dollars are shelled out to pay for Code Enforcement officers and Deputy Health Officers to request people and businesses fix up and their rats nests at tax payers costs than spent on POM.
I look forward to the day POM is purely volunteer and not publicly funded. In Coplay we are almost there.
Everyone in this Blog is invited to our POM event so they can experience first hand a POM Awards Reception. Since we are becoming self sufficient, I humbly ask you all bring a 5 spot to throw into the donation can at the bar.
Bernie, Keep your rake at arms reach and your powder dry.
Bill
Bernie,
PS - the pic of Sam looks great!!!
How does that joke that was made into a song go?
Something about a snake. And it was hit with a rake. And now it's only 6 foot 4.?
I can't remember if it was a dirty joke or not? But no pigs fell in the mud!
Peace, ~~Alex
"Update: ...John M. Krumenacker, President of POM's Board...expects that the staff will return and is just putting the finishing touches on a contract for a new Executive Director."
So I wonder how much will the new Executive Director will be paid?
Surely it will be the same as what the Board defended when Sam was on the dole.
I think this program has value but SB abused it and it killed her politcal career. Now she will be happy on K street
POM goes under the heading of "Good Idea Gone Bad", in my opinion. I don't have a problem rewarding good deeds or encouraging good deeds. That's prudent, as long as the program is not bastardized by greedy, self-serving syncophants like you know who. She saw an opportunity to make $100,000 a year for "administering" this program. She's an opportunist. What else is new?
Who is minding the store?
VOR
Just like the BASD is being investigated, POM needs to have an Attorney General Investigation. I am sure more money was wasted or perhaps skimmed from this joke of a group. Where is the outrage!! Investigate now and provide answers to the Taxpayers!!!
Like Republicans don't do the same thing. Some get signs for their dirty little deeds; at tax payers expense. Stop crime watch now, they have gone to far.
Anonymous said...
Sam played a lot of people for suckers with this program. It was alway's about her. It is worthwhile to point out this is an example of how state Democrats use our tax dollars to provide stipends for their loyal workers.
Scott Armstrong
All you typical conservatives, you want everything for nothing! Shame on everyone who has belittled this program from the start. If it was the 1980's the fraud would be connected to someone in the other political party. Shame on charlie Dent for his attacks on Sam during the last campaign. All her signs were at nice homes, his were at homes that someone needs to hand them a rake and a paint brush
No question that Sam had the snob and elitist vote tied up.
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