I Have Not Embezzled Any Money From The Beaumont Spirit Run.

I've been accused by Guenther Hearty of embezzling cash from the Beaumont Spirit Run. I know I am making enemies by questioning the actions of our City Council and the City's administrators and consultants. I will not be deterred and hope Mr. Hearty will have the courage to face me with his accusation.

Here is exactly what Mr. Hearty wrote:

"The Spirit Run is very successful since White's abrupt resignation. Lloyd was instrumental in starting the Spirit Run, but I am told he was the one that was handling all of the cash donations. What happened to all of the cash? This is what our community is asking and this is the question he is avoiding."

This is the first I've ever heard there were any questions about the cash donations of the Spirit Run and the first time I heard anyone was asking about my involvement. After I read a comment from Mr. Hearty questioning my credibility in an earlier comment (before his accusation of me being a thief of a charitable organization I helped start to support the families in Beaumont), I wrote the following:

"Geunther, I would be happy to meet with anyone who wants to. I'm not interested in talking about any political campaigning but I would definitely be interested in hearing your opinions on the problems facing Beaumont and any ideas or solutions you have. I know you are relatively new to the patch, or at least I haven't seen any comments before last week. Up to this point, I haven't heard any ideas or solutions from you. If you want to discuss the issues and can put aside the personal attacks, I would welcome a one on one discussion. Why don't you come on the Beaumont Hangout and I will be happy to address any of your comments about my ideas or issues you have with me. I think a lot of people could benefit from an open discussion. If you are uncomfortable with this suggestion I'd be happy to meet you for a cup of coffee. You can respond in this thread or send me an email to OurFocusOurKids@gmail.com."

His response to this was to come out and accuse me of questionable activities concerning cash donations and claim I was avoiding answering questions about my involvement. No one has asked me anything or implied anything for me to avoid.

Here's a link to a post I wrote in April 2011 that should explain why I left the Spirit Run: http://bit.ly/1aNv885. 

I agree the Spirit Run had another two good years and I think Steve and Shari are completely responsible for the success of the event. Our original intent was to provide an alternative funding source for Beaumont's parent groups and to eliminate the amount of fundraising our kids had to endure multiple times every year.

I know first hand how hard Steve and Shari worked to raise the necessary funding. And, I understand why they were no longer able to continue and devote so much of their personal lives to the event. Mr. Hearty, please don't tarnish Steve and Shari's efforts in order to make unsubstantiated claims against me.

In a comment earlier this week, I wrote "I believe many rumors have some truth behind them and most of us can learn something from the rumor and about the rumor spreader." I still believe this which is why I have chosen not to ignore this rumor from Mr. Hearty. I welcome being able to find any truth in this rumor and to learn a little More about the rumor spreader.

Once again, Mr, Hearty, I invite you to have a face to face conversation with me about this accusation and any other issues you have with me. Since you are now directly accusing me of a crime, the offer to meet privately is off the table. I will be happy to meet you face to face on my Beaumont Hangouts podcast or any other public venue you choose. 

I look forward to hearing from you and an opportunity to clear my name.

OurFocusOurKids@gmail.com