By: Cheryl Lee Switzer

October 12, 2010

NC Education Lottery Sponsors Mumfest
 
Everyone looks forward to Mumfest in New Bern, North Carolina where thousands of families join in the fun and excitement. Mumfest provides entertainment, attractions, and vendors from all over the state.


Did you know that all vendors, companies, and even non-profit organizations that want a booth or display area must pay a fee to the Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation in order to participate? Those monies along with sponsor donations, which are commonplace and fair, help to defray the cost of Mumfest. Nothing wrong with that, but do you realize that the state of North Carolina Education Lottery is one of the sponsors of Mumfest?

That’ right folks! Our education dollars are going to support Mumfest, can you believe it? If you are in doubt go to Mumfest.com and look at their list of sponsors. North Carolina Education Lottery is listed as a Platinum Sponsor of Mumfest. According to the Acting Executive Director, Alice Garland, “Our Mumfest sponsorship costs $2,500 for which we expect a return in value of $7,500.” They sponsored Mumfest last year too. The value she is talking about is advertising and public relations.

Wow! That’s make it all better, now doesn’t it? Excuse me, but everyone knows all about the North Carolina Education Lottery. Why in God’s name, do they need to waste education funds for more media attention?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Hello out there! Is anyone paying attention to the way our local, state, and federal dollars are being spent?” I can’t help but wonder if the majority of citizens even take the time to review how our elected representatives vote or how they spend our money. Perhaps we’re still in that ancient mindset of “just” voting along strict party lines and then we elect ‘em and forget ‘em. How irresponsible have we become? It is our right, our responsibility, and our duty to throw apathy out the door and take an interest in what our elected officials do supposedly on our behalf. I’ll say it again; it is our duty to know specifics on how they vote and what they spend. We cannot elect someone without knowing where they stand on issues and once we put them in office, we must watch over them after they are elected to make sure they are spending our money wisely and voting the way we want them to vote. If they don’t, then we throw them out the door!

SLAM.