The DIA-tax authority had its members appointed this week by the Macomb County BoC.

In a stunning display of hubris, this is what a rep from the DIA had to say to the local paper regarding the huge salaries of its employees:

"In the Macomb Daily interview, DIA board Chairman Eugene Gargaro defended the $380,000 annual salary for museum Director Graham Beal. According to figures compiled by the DIA, Beal's salary ranks 17th among the nation's highest paid museum directors while the DIA's art collection ranks among the top six in the United States.

Gargaro said top museums pay large sums as they seek prime talent, much like in the world of business or professional sports."

Well, hey! Would you look at that?

Can anybody out there name me a business that is able to directly tax an entire region to pay for itself?

How about any sports team?

Well?

Anybody?

Bueller? Bueller?

If Mr. Beal is afraid of "getting lost in the noise", he obviously hasn't seen the list of candidates on ballot this fall.