If the Poet Laureate is a Paid Position, How Much Are Taxpayers Paying? State, National, International, posted by Frances, a resident of the Downtown neighborhood, on Jun 17, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Don't get me wrong. I enjoy poetry. If this is NOT a paid position then TERRIFIC! I applaud her new post and congratulate her!
If this is a PAID position, however, then I have a big problem with it. Poetry is NOT the function of government at ANY level.
If her poetry is good, then she should be rewarded through the free market (or public school system I suppose). Through the free market she could publish and sell her poetry if she hasn't already. If her poetry is good, then it should be in demand and she'll be rewarded by those who prefer to "consume" it.
I am not familiar with her poetry and am not making any judgment on its quality. I am sure it is wonderful. However, everyone has different "tastes" and they range all across the board...including NO taste in poetry. Just like preferences in different foods...I don't favor being FORCED to pay for items for which I prefer not to consume.
So, back to my original question, is this a paid position? If so, how much are the Pleasanton taxpayers paying from their hard earned income...especially these days of cost-containment?
Posted by 2ME4U, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Jun 17, 2009 at 1:59 pm
If their is pay it should be a part of the public record. I support the city for supporting the arts but would be curious to know what the pay is for writing poetry here in P Town.
Posted by Emily West, Pleasanton Weekly reporter, on Jun 17, 2009 at 2:25 pm Emily West is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com
The position is not paid. This is from the city council packet from last night:
The City Poet Laureate receives no remuneration. Any expenses related to the Poet Laureate program, i.e. supplies for workshops, poetry readings, etc., are allocated within the Parks and Community Services Department's operating budget, and total approximately $2,000.
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