To the Editor:
As a monthly contributor to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, I am both dismayed to hear that the shelter is experiencing such poor management, and grateful that one of their own has had the courage to bring it out into the open.
To say, “I can still produce more than most 29-year-olds” suggests that the president of LCAS, Lorraine Nickerson, either has no idea how hard most 29-year-olds are working these days or she is holding on to memories of her own capacity from years now long past. And, if this is nothing more than arrogance and ego, it is certainly not a suitable quality for a presidential level at any age. Nickerson noted that many of Stone’s complaints are “ancient.” That means these problems should have been dealt with a long time ago. To suggest that Michaela Stone has “let loose with so much hatred” is an attempt to put contempt upon the messenger. It is not hatred, but rather a rightful anger, which many in the community share.
This is neither about picking on a woman of old age, nor demeaning her many years of service to this organization. It is also not about a mean-spirited Michaela Stone attempting to bring LCAS to its knees. It is about the management of those with the power to correct and change any misdeeds within an organization that so many people, who love animals, are dedicated to. So perhaps it is time to ask the board of directors if this is cronyism among the lot of you. Is this about a title you hold to look important, or are you impeccable with your honesty and elbow grease to really oversee the management of this organization?
Any organization, whether it be government, business, or charitable is bound by the duty of the position to be available to public scrutiny, to operate with scrupulous care to detail, and to be accountable for the monies spent in its operation.
Like many others, the gift I have been giving is not play money that I just happen to have laying around. It is hard-earned and specifically directed to help make this a kinder and better world. What should LCAS tell their hardworking volunteers who come in each day to walk dogs, clean the dirty kennels, and bring care to the critters, and to those who come in looking for a new companion? What should I tell companies like Lowe’s and PetSmart, who generously donated goods to the shelter when I asked them for their help? So many good-hearted people are let down when this type of mismanagement occurs, yet the news article does not portray a sense of duty, but rather only a “shoot the messenger” mentality.
Yes, I notified LCAS that they will no longer receive my donations until they have a complete and thorough audit. Once we, the public, have access to the detailed results, I will most assuredly consider becoming a donor once again.
