There seems to be a misunderstanding about an upcoming fundraising event to benefit the Black Diamond Police K-9 Unit.

First of all, neither the city nor the Black Diamond Police Department is planning to have a fundraising event this year for a number of reasons.

We are very fortunate to have dog food, grooming and veterinary services donated.  The canine program has also been the recipient of grant money in the past.  The only costs that may occur are those for training or for some unforeseen circumstance.  There was a very successful fundraiser last year and we have spent less than half of the money raised at that time.

Last month Police Chief Kiblinger and I met with Cheryl Hanson, Executive Director of the Black Diamond Community Center.  The Community Center has been instrumental in the past for organizing and working at the K-9 Fundraiser.  Because the Community Center was focused on National Night Out, a Back to School event and their upcoming Dinner Auction, Cheryl felt they did not have the time or the staff to participate in a K-9 fundraiser.

The Police Department was very busy this summer promoting Chief for a Day on Aug. 16 and decided that instead of asking for donations for two different events it made sense to alternate fundraisers each year.

Most importantly, this joint decision to postpone any K-9 fundraiser to 2013 was based on the fact that we currently do not need any money for this program.

Unfortunately, the situation became more confused because a K-9 fundraising event was somehow placed on the Eagles calendar without the knowledge of the city or the Police Department.

We recently became aware that “Save Black Diamond” is planning a fundraiser to benefit the Black Diamond Police K-9 Unit on September 15th.  Over the past few weeks, we have informed several people that, for the reasons stated above, the city does not need or intend to have a fundraiser this year.

As mayor, I do not support one and the K-9 Unit will not participate.  Further, because “Save Black Diamond” has openly stated that they support the legal appeals filed against the city and YarrowBay, I am concerned that accepting any money from this organization will create the perception that the city supports the views and activities of this organization regarding the current land use and development approvals.

In talking to several of the local businesses listed as donating raffle items, it is apparent that they were unaware that they were contributing to a “Save Black Diamond” event.  We are truly sorry for this and want all of these businesses to know that the Police Department and the city are not involved with the event in any way.

Hopefully these facts will dispel some of the rumors that are circulating in the community.  I have always been supportive of the K-9 program and would never do anything to jeopardize it.

Rebecca Olness, mayor                                                                                                                             Black Diamond