HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/7/2020 Item 08, Lambert
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Cindy Lambert <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Regarding James Papp as the Cultural Heritage Committee chair
To the SLO City Council
I have just listened to the Dave Congalton show this afternoon and his “interview” of James Papp. I felt I had to make
comments and relay them to you, the SLO City Council.
Regarding his adversarial interactions and crossing the line with the public. I am the past collections manager at the
History Center and he was onsite at the location constantly because of his relationship with Eva Ulz Fina. At one point,
he lead the Development Committee; was appointed to that by Eva Ulz Fina. I was assigned to that committee so I was
in those meetings and will say that he used adversarial language with various members and volunteers of the
organization; to the point that many of the dedicated volunteers of the non-profit left and no longer participate. I could
go on, but that sums up his “tactic” to belittle and provide rambling, unsolicited information and "so-called" knowledge
on topics.
Secondly, when he implies that he is a professional historic preservationist I have the following to say. He has none of
the qualifications. As someone who participated in the master of historic preservation program at Goucher College in
Towson, Maryland. I take issue with his statements. James Papp has no university schooling in architecture, no
university schooling in architectural history, and no PAID work experience in the field. He also has no professionally
published papers (scholastic and/or juried) on the topic of preservation. For him to claim those qualifications, would
anger any professional in that field who has had to work very hard to avail themselves of that title.
I will say that he has a doctorate in literature, but for awhile he referred to himself as Professor Papp. Again, for that
privilege, there is at least twenty years of required scholastic writing, presenting, publishing, peer reviews, etc. before an
offer is made. He has none of the aforementioned and therefore those claims are another untruth about his experience
and background.
Regards,
Cindy Lambert
centralcoast09@gmail.com
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