On Feb. 12 and 19, our newspaper questioned the existence and what, if any, accomplishments the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corp. had in recent years.
Last month, the news got worse. The organization received a letter from the state of New York Authorities Budget Office. Apparently, Chadwick Bay was one of 13 agencies being censured for failing to meet reporting requirements of the Public Authorities Law.
"The board was not aware of what reports were required, what had to be done and the deadline," Katherine Tampio, executive director, stated. "We're very concerned about coming into compliance."
But this lack of detail goes back to the question we posed in February: what has the Chadwick Bay Regional Development Corp. accomplished?
Apparently nothing, not even reports that are required by the state.
Why were basic reports not completed? And where was the board when all this was happening? Was the board collecting money from area communities?
This has the appearance of something going wrong.
The organization owes residents of this community a public apology - as well as a public statement on its accomplishments, its past financial documents and its plans for the future.
If Chadwick Bay leaders and board members cannot do this, then municipalities tied to the group need to pull their funding.
The agency cannot exist without accountability.
