Posted on 06/22/2009 9:30:31 AM PDT by jazusamo
Among more than 100 local projects for which U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott recently sought funding earmarks in the coming federal budget are a new cancer-research program, municipal road projects and a law-enforcement initiative to combat gang violence.
Also included on the Seattle Democrat's 2010 appropriations wish list is a relatively modest — but curious — appeal:
A $250,000 request to fund a "window repair and limestone sill replacement" at The Rainier Club — one of Seattle's premier private clubs, whose members include some of the city's most well-heeled and politically connected residents.
McDermott's request on behalf of The Rainier Club would match the $250,000 raised by club members to cover renovations at the club's 105-year-old brick building on Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle.
The club — which provides wood-paneled dining halls, a health and fitness club, a library and private bedrooms where members can stay overnight — has about 1,200 members who pay $191 per month in membership dues, said Michael Troyer, the club's chief operating officer.
A McDermott aide, who said Friday the congressman was on a flight to Seattle and unavailable for comment, called the private club's request "a fair project to submit for funding" that had nothing to do with political back-scratching.
"They made the case that it's a historic building in our home city, and they had tried to raise the money themselves but fell short," Mike DeCesare said. "It was a significant argument."
Representatives for the club said Friday the need for renovations is real and immediate. Limestone window sills are eroding, causing water seepage and damaging structural timbers for the part of the historic building that dates to 1904.
But after more than a year of fundraising, the club has gathered only half the $500,000 needed to cover repairs, Troyer said.
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
WA Ping!
NO PUBLIC MONEY FOR A PRIVATE CLUB! They really are bold, aren’t they?
It’s outrageous.
The Rats and Zer0 are mortgaging our grandchildrens future and Baghdad Jim wants a quarter million for a private club.
U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott is a legendary corruptocrat sc*mbag.
Then it's time to pass the hat again among the well-heeled and politically-connected members. And maybe consider the renaming the place "The Skinflint's Club."
That’s correct, he and his ‘secretary’ are a real pair to draw to.
McNumbNuts is a loon!
ping
I wonder how he would describe an unfair project? Lower taxes for the masses, less government,term limits?
Uh, why should the public fund a private club they aren’t allowed admittance to?
I also want to know by leaking this story, the lefties are still promoting class envy.
This is the height of arrogance and corruption. Funding operating costs for a private club while at the same time laying off teachers and other needed public workers.
How can this be justified on any basis other than outright theft/diversion of public funds for private purposes. Why is this not being challenged?
All they would have to do is admit 109 new members and they would have the $250,000 in one year.
Would the private club then be open to all tax-payers?
I believe we know the answer without contacting them.
I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Thanks to you both for the pics!
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