Posted on 03/19/2007 10:01:39 AM PDT by jazusamo
Internal Smithsonian documents offer a glimpse into what one senator called the "Dom Perignon" lifestyle of the taxpayer-supported institution's chief official, who turned in a $15,000 receipt for the replacement of French doors at his home and spent $48,000 for two chairs, a conference table and upholstery for his office suite.
Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small's spending has been the subject of intense public scrutiny after The Washington Post published details last month from a confidential inspector general's report delving into his $2 million in housing and office expenses over the past six years.
Spreadsheets and invoices obtained by The Post include previously unreleased details on expenses deemed by the Smithsonian Board of Regents to be authorized and "reasonable" under the terms of Small's employment agreement.
Small spent nearly $160,000 on the redecoration of his offices in the institution's main building on the Mall shortly after he took the helm of the world's largest museum system in 2000. The expenses include $4,000 for two chairs from the English furniture-maker George Smith, $13,000 for a custom-built conference table and $31,000 for Berkeley stripe upholstery.
Small has also received $1.15 million in housing allowances over a six-year period in return for agreeing to use his 6,500-square-foot home in Woodley Park for Smithsonian functions. To justify those expenses, Small has submitted receipts for $152,000 in utility bills, $273,000 in housekeeping services and $203,000 in maintenance charges, including $2,535 to clean a chandelier. The home-repair invoices show $12,000 for upkeep and service on his backyard swimming pool, including $4,000 to replace the lap pool's natural gas heater and pump.
The office expenses were permitted under Smithsonian policies and procedures, and the housing allowance was part of Small's employment agreement. The $160,000 in office renovations are part....
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Oliver North has written two recent columns regarding the request to film the histortic bomber Enola Gay at the Smithsonian for an upcoming segment of War Stories on FNC. Following is an excerpt from his second column and links to both columns.
It didn't happen. In a series of last-ditch phone calls all day March 12, it became apparent that the "hang-up" had nothing to do with artful phrases in a contract. In a phone call at 5:45 p.m., a Smithsonian representative told our FOX News attorney and my executive producer that, "your shoot would be a violation of our third-party agreement." Though they never mentioned the name of the "third party," it's now apparent: It is none other than Showtime/Viacom -- the new "owner" of America's history and heritage.
It Was Easier In Hanoi 3/16/07
Selling America's Heritage 2/9/07
Oliver North Ping!
This article is in regards to Secretary Lawrence Small of the Smithsonian. Oliver North was refused filming of the Enola Gay for an upcoming War Stories episode.
Any bets that Lawrence SMALL is a DEMOCRAT?? A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT?
No bets. :-)
"Public servant" ping.
Those expenditures don't make sense. I smell money laundering.
Does he have an aluminum foundry in the basement or what? I bet this guy is very concerned about 'Global Warming'.
It sure would seem that way, yes. I haven't seen too many Bush-Cheney bumper stickers in the employee lot at many public buildings, including museums.
but, if he is a liberal Democrat, the Post would not investigate him!
In Googling Small there are numerous articles regarding him since he became the Secretary that don't reflect well on him.
$152,000 a year in UTILITY BILLS????? Has he bought his Carbon Credits from ALGORE yet????
"Small has submitted receipts for $152,000 in utility bills"
This guy should get the Al Gore Award from the American Electric Utilities. 25K a month. Must have been heating the pool with an "electric" heater while the gas was being repaired.
month should be year. Sorry
This would explain why the day my family went to the Air and Space Museum, half the first floor displays were roped off to prepare for a fund raiser dinner that evening. Takes a lot of loot to support this lifestyle.
Anyone know what department of the government is responsible for the Smithsonian? This turkey has got
a boss somewhere....I want to send him this thread.
Its my tax money...!
Anyone know what department of the government is responsible for the Smithsonian? This turkey has got
a boss somewhere....I want to send him this thread.
Its my tax money...!
The Air and Space Museum wants to 'hire' us for nothing because they don't have the funds to pay us. Between this story and Oliver North not being able to film there. They can all go shove it....
According to their website, Sen. Thad Cochran is on the museum board - perhaps his office might be encouraged to ask some questions:
http://americanhistory.si.edu/about/board.cfm
Looks as though Mr. Small is living rather large at our expense! (no pun intended)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.