State Theatre Foundation responds to letter writer’s questions about town’s involvement

Reference Mr. Lovings reply.  First, I want to thank him for his reply.  Second, my first question was, “Who owns the State Theatre”?  I was not implying anything, until I got a call from Mr. Yates, I had never heard of the Yates family nor the Yates Foundation.  My interest was tweaked when I heard the term of 1.2 million taxpayers dollars were being requested.  I was asked by some local residents if I knew who the Yates family was?  One resident went on to say they are “multi millionaires” and they practically own Culpeper.  I applaud any ones personal successes, money or otherwise, and I like to think I had a little part to play because I along with millions of others have defended their rights to do so.  You noted that many board members have attained personal success in their businesses.  If they, along with the Yates family, in conjunction with the many councilman that are so excited about this project, would donate the 1.2 million dollars, then taxpayers monies would not be needed.  I have only lived in Culpeper for five years so I don’t know who are the most influential, and who are the ones that have no say, who are the richest, and who are the poorest.  Based on the feedback thus far, it appears, it is not very kindly to ask questions regarding these matters.  What private people do with their private monies is their private business, however, when taxpayers monies are utilized, I think every taxpayer has a right to question how their tax monies are being spent.  With that said, is a foundation allowed to make a profit, if so, where does that money go?  With Eight Million in tax credits already accured, how does that Eight Million play out in the scheme of things?  With all of the affluent involved, why does this foundation need tax monies?  Will any of these tax credits or monies derived from this foundation ever be returned to the taxpayers?  Lastly, if thousands of tourist do come and buy from our local businesses, who stands to gain if one does not own a business in Culpeper?  I want to thank Mr. Yates personally for his call and for his offer to donate monies to our local veterans programs.  In addition, I want to thank the Yates Foundation for allowing me to ask these questions.  Jerry R. Beckett, a resident of Culpeper.

Briarhill first you don’t know me at all. I fully support the arts in that I dontated to the Bluemont concert series and have donated quite a lot to the Windmore foundation (both time and money). I do not see the need to waste money on the State Theatre when there are suitable venues available already school auditoriums etc. So what you may consider useless I consider economical. Denote the site a federal landmark if you can but don’t expect me to give to that place when there are tons (see my list below) of other ways to get tourist to Culpeper. I have redirected some of my hard earned money to the Soapbox Derby as I see higher revenue gains from outsiders that way than pouring money into the refurbishment of the State Theatre. Note also no personal attack at all by me  

Thank you for the explanation.

I have only one more question.  If the foundation is a fully charitable non-profit organization, why does it need tax credits?  Tax credits for what?  Fully charitable non-profit organizations don’t pay taxes.

Puuuuulllease, Non-profit is great. While I believe in supporting culture and the arts. I would put just about everything non-profit above this project. So lets just use United Ways list. The various cub, boy and girls scouts, Red Cross, Services for Abused Families, literacy councils for the various counties, my church, libraries, schools, youth sports activities, the various hospice organizations. Tear down the State Theatre and be done with it.