Festival must be more transparent to be worthy of support

I received a “dear patron” letter from The Festival at Sandpoint requesting a renewal of my support for the 2020 season. The letter did not instill confidence, it was poorly written, with grammatical errors, a printer copy, and not signed by the president of the board, Grant Nixon. He does not reside in Bonner County and perhaps is not invested in this community enough to have the name recognition of the board member that signed.

The letter referenced the “departure” of Dyno Wahl, executive director for the past 20 years, but did not explain why a committed director with a successful track record would depart. Also not mentioned is the walkout of the entire staff!

I’m saddened by this loss of a talented executive director with a deep level of experience, respect in her peer group, serving as president of Arts Northwest in 2018, directing the Festival to positive results in the ever-increasing competitive market of music concert series. I question the reason for the walkout of the entire staff. I doubt the confidence expressed in the letter, that the diversity and talents of the board will successfully replace what has been lost — four full-time staff with years of experience and knowledge of year round, and the day-to-day tasks needed for a successful non-profit.

Along with these concerns are open carry and the change of the grass surface. The Festival needs to be more transparent about these changes to be “worthy” of my support.

CINDA BENNETT

and DAVE CROW

Cocolalla