First in a series by Robert E. Field, Publisher
My few months as an adviser to the Business Committee of the Pennsylvania Academy of Music (PAM) gave me a bird’s eye view of how the insular nature of the Lancaster community leads to bad decisions as a result of an outsized desire to get alongby the many, and the license of a few to bully and mislead for selfish and even vindictive purposes. This is the first in a several part series, largely based on contemporary correspondence.
I received the assignment as an adviser in large part as a result of my sending the following e-mail to a select group of friends involved with PAM:
“9/ 5/ 2009
…I am stunned by news…that PAM is considering signing over the building to the local bank this coming week. I can find no justification in such a precipitous and calamitous action.
I have asked to meet with — and — and other members of the board today (despite it being my Sabbath) or certainly by tomorrow. Otherwise I will consider morally compelled for NewsLanc to break the story both in its periodicals and through its radio spots.
As it happens, I spent an hour and a half with one of the best attorneys in the field of reorganization and bankruptcy just this past Monday when I accompanied a friend who is facing some problems. At that time we received a thorough briefing on alternatives. …
In my opinion, the circumstances of PAM make it even more propitious for it to threaten to enter reorganization and, if necessary, to do so than even in the case of a private investor. These problems generally get worked out given time, patience and proper representation. The bank debts must be somehow funded by the foundations.
The mortgage and interest can be negotiated down with the local bank. They would look terrible not being cooperative. Think of who the people are who have contributed millions to the school and how they will react, let alone the general public!!!
I studiously have avoided serving on boards, but if —- wants me to get involved I would, provided I headed a subcommittee to deal with these matters. But I am insistent that matter be put on indefinite hold.
Millions have been contributed and tens of thousands of hours have been spent to achieve the PAM structure. It must not be turned over out of ignorance or unwillingness to firmly represent the best interest of the school and the community.”
Robert”
To be continued.
Veri & Jamanis have laid waste to PAM with their delusions of grandure. You can try to affix blame to those who gave the most, but in the end the duo pianists were truely the Alpha and the Omega. The broader tragedy was that they were so skilled in getting people fork over their charitable income, that they injured the deserving, well run arts organizations as well. I know you will always see them as the victims.