Steve Pounget’s Salary From Gay Parenting Group Under Microscope
In 2008, Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet co-founded Pride Parents Association. Pride Parents, located in Palm Springs, started a social network for gay couples and parents. A total of 70 members signed up.
The group flew under the radar until earlier this month when a concerned resident, Chuck Conder in Riverside, filed a complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office. In the complaint he wrote about Pougnet’s salary.
According to 2008 tax reports, Pougnet took home a salary of $32,000 for 25 hours of work each week. That same year Pride Parents only received $53,360 in donations.
After KESQ obtained the filed complaint and other documents, Pougnet defended the organization and his salary, “The folks that gave money to me knew it was going to me to start this.”
Conder an elected member of the Riverside County Republican Central Committee insist it’s not political, “Go after everybody. I don’t give a damn who it is,”.
It is still unclear if any of Pride Parents’ donors had already given to Steve Pougnet’s political campaign? “I’ve never seen as anything as blatant as this,” said Conder during a phone interview. Pride Parents’ donor list isn’t public record.
Pougnet chalks it up to another political attack. “It is just another right-wing attack at my possible future run for Congress.” Pougnet ran against Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack for the 45th Congressional seat. Bono Mack’s political committee spokesperson Eric Troast wrote, “The organization appears to have done little if anything to justify the cash that went into his pockets. This whole thing stinks.”
In 2008 the non-profit’s largest expense was travel $1,327. The non-profits total expenses was $4,385. Rancho Mirage City Councilman Scott Hines, helped co-found Pride Parents, we tried talking to him. Hines said, “E-mail me the questions and I’ll send you a written response.” We sent him an email with questions. He hasn’t gotten back to us.
Pride Parents charity status is current but it appears the non-profit isn’t active. The organization instead is putting its energy and resources towards Scott Hines’ Family Equality Council.
Towards the end of the interview Conder said, “Persons think the money is going to go to kids not to pay someone so he can survive and run a campaign.”
Pougnet ended his on-camera interview by saying, “I welcome an investigation by the Attorney General.”
No word if the Attorney General’s office is investigating the complaint.
