It's a very precarious position, given that one Van Gogh can probably make up the city's entire budget deficit for this year. I can see poor people thinking, "Why is my bus to work not operating today, while this museum is sitting on billions of dollars in assets?" I really have no idea how to respond to that other than my gut says it's a really bad idea.
Pragmatically, I don't think the collection is in any danger. But the fact that the idea is even being floated scares the crap out of me, so I would not fault anybody for reacting strongly to this. I actually don't think overreaction is possible. I don't care how slim the chances are, this shit needs to be slapped down both in court and the court of public opinion. Hopefully it doesn't have to come to the former.
Everyone who lives in the tri-county area has a financial stake in the museum, and everyone who cares about art in the world has some moral stake in the museum, so I would urge anyone and everyone who cares to send letters of dissent to Orr's office. Public outcry is the only way we have voice our opposition.