Comments

TOCorrection Please wrote wrote on Oct 24, 2009 11:02 PM:

" Don't be so naive. The chamber was the recipient of the WCVB grant. Metiva was to administer the funds staying within the grant guidelines and presented two budgets fully aware of its requirements. Both the city and chamber didn't challenge them because they believed Metiva to be an honest person.
Both organizations eventually questioned Metiva's accountability and found her abusing both grant expenditures and chamber earnings.
After the fact, yes, but the findings are real. Mrs. Metiva can not be trusted and to date has no remorse. "




Correction Please wrote on Oct 24, 2009 4:29 PM:

" The city determined the Chamber did not follow grant guidelines, not an individual "




To Rusty wrote on Oct 24, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Metiva's character is a reflection of her own actions. The city has established that she didn't follow their expenditure requirements. Metiva's personal expenditures are clearly documented. Metiva said she would reimburse the chamber for her personal expenditures- admitting guilt. The board's oversight is acknowledged in the fact that they are now questioning her expenditures.
All employee stealing happens because of lack of oversight or the opportunity doesn't exist. This is not a new crime.
It's personal when an employee steals our non-profit money. "




Rusty wrote on Oct 22, 2009 9:32 AM:

" Character assignation continues while the board oversight is unacknowledged. This is a few people making it personal. A Real audit please "




to Didnt ponder quite long enough wrote on Oct 21, 2009 9:32 AM:

" You say Metiva is strong in marketing and that was evident by her marketing herself into the chamber, selling herself as the "I'm in control don't question me". She had a good business sense; "rob Pete (Chamber) and Paul (City) to pay Metiva's "I can't afford these" expenses. Her follow thru was excellent until the board challenged her "good business sense". Now the Chamber will have to "work off" her City budget abuse, which was very kind of the City to allow. She's very cleaver but lives in a different world than you and I. "




Still waiting. wrote on Oct 20, 2009 5:55 PM:

" Metiva didn't say "you are approving this expense for my trip to Hawaii or this expense for my diet pills". By not being forthcoming she was lying. Yes, the chamber and city should have asked for receipts to back up every expenditure. This isn't a case of spending too much on Chamber needs. What she did was illegal and Metiva needs to be held accountable for her personal expenditures. Very simple, very clear. Then we can move on. "




Another Way wrote on Oct 19, 2009 10:46 PM:

" $30,000 divided by 8 , Past Board Members and Past director pays back about $4,000 each works well. Then lets move on. "




Didnt ponder quite long enough wrote on Oct 19, 2009 6:04 PM:

" Wrong. Boards do not approve each and every individual expenditure, there is a budget the ED is suposed to use as a guideline. Unfortunately Ms Metiva had no business sense AND was unable to work within a budget, bad combo. Her strong point was in marketing, but as with most marketers you have to be able to deliver what you promise... the mouth was there, the follow through needed some work. Lets all move forward. There must be better subjects we can all talk about. "




Audit will Bring Fioreworks wrote on Oct 19, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Where will the Chamber come up with the money for these additional costs. Fireworks aren't cheap. This could be a great opportunity to expand the activities to bring in more business for those events. Something like a festival. The comments posted seem so personal. Bashing Women in Wasilla. "




Agree with them wrote on Oct 17, 2009 8:59 PM:

" Agree with Quarterback, fumble, interception! You hit the nail right on the head! Cheryl Metiva manipulated the chamber business members,spent the money they donated, and lied to the board members. Blaming everything on the prior board members isn't fair. They should have paid more attention to Metiva's poor ethics and lying. But as my momma used to say, Karma will get Cheryl Metiva good! She is due for another fall from grace. She needs to leave Wasilla and take Marty with her. Between the two of them they can't find a soul. "




Something to ponder wrote on Oct 17, 2009 10:57 AM:

" The Board was responsible for approving all expenses. Hopefully the new board is doing just that. "




Quarterback fumble interception wrote on Oct 16, 2009 3:22 PM:

" Apparently you haven't been to Chamber recently. It's packed! Every week more members are returning delighted that the Metiva's are no longer involved.

The only ones having a good time were the Metiva's dining out everyday, massages, manicures, travel and clothes, all at the expense of hard working businesses struggling to survive.

She manipulated everyone. Blaming the board is ignorant, she was in charge of the daily operation of the Chamber and responsible to report accurately. It's easy to hide things you don't want others to see...but only for awhile,eventually it all catches up. "




Monday Morning Quarterback wrote on Oct 15, 2009 3:04 PM:

" The Metiva's did a lot of good for this organization for many years. Board oversight failed our group. Everyone was having a good time until tough economic times. The spirit is missing from the chamber today. Lets get it back and move forward with a new board. "




They are Back hide your check book wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:53 AM:

" How can anyone show their faces in this town after draining the Chamber coffers, do they have no shame. And Big John you dude you are part of the problem; by the way you no longer control the air waves in the valley. We are tuned to 100.9 now and I haven't heard one of your classic Wink Winkerson commericals there yet. Where would Wasilla be if Marty was Mayor? Chapter 11, And Cheryl at the day spa. Same crew, new non-profit, Wasilla Rotray, with Mrs Metiva at the helm, and Big John Hazzlewood as captian, ship hard aground. "




Who is going to pay wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:40 AM:

" The past boards lack of oversight really parallels the current bank of America events. "




Ran out wrote on Oct 12, 2009 5:12 PM:

" KTUU and other media are just running out of people to interview. Several people just said no after they saw themselves creatively edited and misquoted. Wasilla is not special, the same criticisms and wacky posters are at the Boston Globe, Wash.Post, Miami Herald, Detroit Free Press, Phila Inquirer. With the same obnoxious and irrelevant posters after the article. Same soup - different bowl. Welcome to the new level of press. "




Wave to traffic wrote on Oct 12, 2009 4:05 PM:

" KTUU interviews a lot of people in KMBQ's parking lot. where Klap works. Coincidence not likely. Convenient news reporting is not always in depth. "




to Bored wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:26 AM:

" Can't confirm the Nome chamber expenditures but KMBQ did foot the room bill.
Klapperich believes in Metiva, obviously, and happens to be involved with a radio station- don't lose sleep over this. He's a Wasilla supporter doing what he feels is right. After the dust settles, he'll see clearly. Your choice to listen or not. "




My Bad wrote on Oct 12, 2009 10:19 AM:

" A local restaurant could sell a sandwich called "The Metiva". A take off from the Martha Stewart childhood sandwich. It could sell for $14.95. Imagine: a dinner plate, one single "Cheep" white piece of bread with a squirt of yellow mustard in the form of a smiley face. Surprise! Are we all enjoying our lunch? "




rambling mumble wrote on Oct 12, 2009 8:57 AM:

" If you could gather any sense out of John Ks rambling your better then me. I could only understand that it was a bunch of prior board name dropping. Way to make friends! John is there because KTUU offices are in his building. Don't work too hard reporters. It's a shame that this paper and KTUU can't dig any deeper than this for some real news that matters. Just "Ctrl+C Ctrl+V" old bad news. Afraid of good news? "




Bored wrote on Oct 11, 2009 5:33 PM:

" Why does John Klapperich with KMBQ always comment after a news story about the chamber? Wasn’t e on the board when Cheryl Metiva did most of her mismanagement? She used Chamber funds to go to Nome to cover the Iditarod for his radio station. Klapperich should not be making Metiva out to be innocent or wrongly accused of theft or mismanagement, when she clearly isn’t. I’m going to change radio stations if I have to listen to him say the board approved her spending the City money or Chamber money for massages, manicures, or personal trips "




Vote board members wisely wrote on Oct 11, 2009 4:49 PM:

" If the chamber is to take over events it needs more then lip service from its board. Which ones will participate . who was on the Murder Mystery Train for a start? If they cannot commit to the events they should not be voted in. Not attending due to work is understandable but don't run for a board where participation is essential. "




about time wrote on Oct 11, 2009 4:43 PM:

" It sounds like out of a problem a relationship that should have existed will form. chambers and cities should work together for a common good, save resources, put on better events. Im ready to start today. "




KTUU interviews wrote on Oct 11, 2009 2:58 PM:

" Sorry Mr. Klapperich your statement to KTUU is inaccurate.
"But I am absolutely certain the board approved it. I'm certain that the president, Jason Hamlin, approved it," said former chamber president John Klapperich. "And I am certain it had gone back to city council, reviewed and also approved."
Cheryl Metiva did receive a reprimand for that action. Then came knight "Marty" to her rescue, he promptly called Jason with some not so nice comments. You know, the kind we all heard him use in the not so recent past on KTUU. Sad but true. "




Shame on Metiva wrote on Oct 11, 2009 11:40 AM:

" The board member’s who were supposed to be guiding and advising Cheryl Metiva, hope you have learned a valuable lesson. When you accept a board position, you must pay attention to the business you represent. That means watching what your Executive Director is doing, not taking her word for it. Metiva was ripping off the chamber and smiling at the board directors while she did it. She lied to them and they didn’t notice. They were too busy patting themselves on the back for doing a good job while she spent the money she was entrusted with on personal items. "




Addition or subtraction wrote on Oct 11, 2009 7:49 AM:

" Reported on KTUU.com Rupright says the chamber agreed to handle events like the Fourth of July fireworks and parade for the next three years. He said he doesn't think it will be a problem if the chamber takes longer to repay the money, as long as it makes an effort to do so. So tell me, the Chamber does the 4th of July parade at $6K a year, that would be for 5 years. What happened to the winter fireworks show that the city also pays for at either New Years or Iditarod Days? Hmm, Verne, something doesn't add up! "




Sorry Memtoo wrote on Oct 11, 2009 7:38 AM:

" It is impossible to assassinate the character of those who have not only no character but not morals, no values and no dignity. Those mentioned below fit all four categories and could teach a course at the college on how to live well on someone else money and feel quite good about it. As for blame, yes, those who reviewed and then approved the reports from Metiva are just as culpable as she is for the mismanagement of funds. Woodruff, Hollar, Larson, Menard, Mark Ewing, Marty Metiva and Keller are all to blame for this but Marty knew the most!!!! "




Hear Ye Hear Ye wrote on Oct 11, 2009 12:18 AM:

" Alright Wasilla- "Pull Up Your Big-Girl-Panties!" Metiva's crap will surface . . . so buck up and join the party. Not saying don't be mad about the mess/drama/illegal expenditures. Support each other, attend GWCC luncheons and fundraising events, city meetings, and chamber meetings. Learn this lesson and keep your eyes peeled; ask questions. The wolf wears many outfits and we have seen all of Cheryl's, Cabi I believe- how did she afford them? If the system doesn't work- then sign off. Until then just breathe and become part of the solution. "




Not quite wrote on Oct 10, 2009 1:13 PM:

" Quote: You are getting a LOT back for your money. Fireworks shows are extremely expensive. The fireworks alone cost thousands of dollars. Add to that the cost of a certified fire/bomb technician who isn't straight out of Iraq or Afghanistan and you are spending big bucks! Wrong! The city has paid $6000 per fireworks show for Fireart by Griz and they have two per year for a total of $12000. I wonder if the Chamber will pay the same or perhaps less but show the city a higher amount? The city has a contract with Griz. "




Memtoo wrote on Oct 10, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Time to put more money into the chamber. Fund raising and grants will get things moving along. Yes an audit is necessary and deal with the facts then. Character assassination and blame isn't productive.Adding costs when we are down doesn't help. We have a great Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is the business community bringing jobs to our community. Lets get back to business. "




Jrmem wrote on Oct 10, 2009 10:50 AM:

" Hope we are watching the mayor too. he makes mistakes as Directors do. That is what boards and city councils are there for. A greater review of this decision is due by citizens and Chamber members.. Need more details - who approved expenditures, who approved payments etc "




Uh-oh IFOT wrote on Oct 10, 2009 9:15 AM:

" A thorough and detailed audit (by a neutral NON-Valley accountant) of every single line in that grant should provide the list needed to clean out the riff-raff and prosecute those that have "moved on" prior to scrutiny. While they're at it, how about a thorough review of the Wasilla Senior Center's grants, as well? That one was swept under the rug (my own mother now worries if she'll get that next meal or to her next appointment.) And how about MASCOT? Show me THAT money.
I, too, wish "newcomer" a speedy exit back to Anchorage. No problems there??
Buh-bye! "




To Hmmmmm wrote on Oct 10, 2009 8:35 AM:

" You are getting a LOT back for your money. Fireworks shows are extremely expensive. The fireworks alone cost thousands of dollars. Add to that the cost of a certified fire/bomb technician who isn't straight out of Iraq or Afghanistan and you are spending big bucks! "




To The newcomer wrote on Oct 10, 2009 8:32 AM:

" You may call it hateful and mean, but, how would you feel if it was Cheryl digging in your purse for your cash and spending it at day spa's? All in the name of tourism........ "




To Remember wrote on Oct 10, 2009 8:24 AM:

" Yes, actually I do remember. Some members on the past council did question the reports but they were shut up by past Mayor Dianne Keller. She told them everything was okay........... "




Hmmm wrote on Oct 10, 2009 7:18 AM:

" It says Rupright the mayor did this. Doesn't require approval by the City Council or is it because it's under the $30,000 city code threshold that it doesn't require council approval? Now it makes me wonder if Rupright didn't agree to the $29,126.45 number just do he didn't have to get council approval knowing full well they council might demand alot more back or not go for his scheme. Lets face it, fire works can have a retail value and then there is a show value. I wonder how well the tax payer is getting treated on this deal? "




We all were taken. wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:58 PM:

" I say city, you say council. I say chamber, you say board. Bottom-line. Many messed up trusting Ms. Metevia. The city has offered a solution that will work for them. The chamber is next. No, there wasn't any chamber insurance. There's allot to decide. Lot's of cover-ups and lots of lies. Do you remember the chamber lunches where Marty and Cheryl played out their anniversaries and birthdays in public. Looking back, everyone was tricked to believe that she actually cared about the GWCC. "




Remember wrote on Oct 9, 2009 6:40 PM:

" The "city" you refer to who should have scrutinized Metiva's theft a little closer was the city council. The city council voted to give her the money and all Metiva aka Chamber had to do was submit reports to the council. Not the mayor, not the city employees or a department but the City Council. Folks like Woodruff, Hollar, Larson, Menard, Mark Ewing and yes, even Marty Metiva who were Council members back then should have asked alot more questions instead of just passing it off. They missed the mark and let city funds go down the drain! "




Mewmber55 wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:27 PM:

" The past board must assume some responsibility for a lacl of oversight. Was thee board member insurance? Who was watching these expenditures is the real question. The entire board resigning was not a solution. "




Responding to newcomer wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Bye..... The folks at the Frontiersman are fine people and have always done an excellent job at reporting the news and keeping us informed. Thank you Todd for your honest and accurate reporting. We wish the newcomer a speedy exit back to Anchorage. would you please take Marty and Cheryl with you. Thanks "




Missed the Point wrote on Oct 9, 2009 3:46 PM:

" Cortez are you kidding me. You obviously have your infomation from a Metiva. She not only mismanged money she is a theif and worse yet used the trust of the membership and board members to play a shell game with the chamber and city's money. Let's hope she will be going to jail for a long long time. Cheryl is in denial because she is narcissistic and truely thinks she was owed the things she took. I want to know why the city didn't press charges. "




Wait for it wrote on Oct 9, 2009 3:23 PM:

" The city offered a compromise to the chamber, supporting Wasilla's future marketing. The Chamber webpage is not current: member announcements are from May 20th because they are lacking the manpower- give them a break. The city gave them a break. Cheryl and Marty are under scrutiny for a reason. Everyone is questioning them for a reason. It's because Cheryl screwed up. Cheryl is in denial. It's now up to the chamber. They need to make the correct decision and prosecute her.
Support the new board and help them come to the right decision. "




to Cortez- OMG wrote on Oct 9, 2009 3:04 PM:

" You sound like Cheryl, the facts are out with the City, chamber's numbers to come. Cheryl is in denial and so are you. This isn't brain science, she screwed up and has to pay the piper. The valley is waiting because it's WRONG to use someone elses money. Criminal. Unjust. Pathetic. Stupid. No question that she did it. Just time will tell how much. Are you stupid too, or just a friend that is under some spell. "




Trust in the system wrote on Oct 9, 2009 2:58 PM:

" The city is working with the chamber and we have been very patient with this issue. As the Frontiersman said "that will be for the new board to decide".

They questioned Bill Allen's expenditures, information was shared and the public had a right to access- not an issue. Here, Cheryl has no grounds to stand on.

Trust that the chamber will follow through and hold her accountable. It's not pretty, it's not fun, but the chamber will get through it and Cheryl will be treated appropriately. "




Accountability wrote on Oct 9, 2009 2:40 PM:

" I heard that the lumber for the new deck, the fountain and the bbq grill are missing from the city. Is it co-incidence that the Metiva's have a new deck, a new fountain and a new bbq grill? I think not...perhaps this also needs to be looked into. "




Cortez wrote on Oct 9, 2009 2:21 PM:

" Well this is just so interesting. First, everyone was ready to tar and feather Cheryl Metiva. Then it was the board of directors. Now its the City of Wasilla and the Frontiersman. Its about time the whole ugly mess gets put on the table. Right now everyone is quick to point the finger, make accusations, and possibly ruin some good people's name. Lets see some facts. This has gone on too long. "




wake up wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:27 PM:

" The City of Wasilla and the Chamber of Commerce are a big part of the Valley. I'm sorry if ya'll are sick of reading about it, it is the papers job to keep us informed and many of us have been waiting on the outcome of this story. "




Increase needs a memory boost wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:12 AM:

" That prior board member has a bad memory. It was not an "increase" or a "raise", it was a bonus that Metiva gave herself without authorization or approval from the board! She wrote the check, and signed it herself before the board was even aware. It was in no way allowable by the city contract. Get the contract read it. Review the minutes of the board meetings. She should have been let go at that time, the questions is why was she allowed to stay. Good riddance, Wasilla is better off without her. "




Missed the Point wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:07 AM:

" Cheryl Metiva is a theif! She mismanaged the chamber money by using their money to take personal vacations. Spent their money on massages and getting her nails done. When she was in danger of getting caught she used the CVB money in hopes of covering up some of her mess. She wasn’t smart enough and got caught anyway.
Sounds like the City did the honorable thing, told chamber it was not acceptable to use the funds the way Metiva used them, but not going to punish chamber for something she did. Now it’s time to prosecute Metiva! "




A lesson for all organizations wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:12 AM:

" The Chamber questioned Cheryl's trust/ethics. The city took a closer look and questioned trust/ethics in her financial reporting. Cheryl's receipts were incomplete and "yes" the city should have asked for them at the time of submission. They both should have asked for accountability a long time ago. But here we are. Business owners and residents are mad, totally understandable. Their trust is gone and money was misused. Here's the city's accounting- late but here. Trust that the city and chamber are asking for accountability and will continue to. "




Dennis O. wrote on Oct 9, 2009 9:19 AM:

" You people are pathetic. I'm an "educated reader", and I know for a fact that Kari Sleight is no leftist. Get over yourselves already and try to pay better attention. "




Ted wrote on Oct 9, 2009 8:45 AM:

" Improprieties? It's called theft. Somebody shouild be prosecuted. Oh, sorry, forgot this is Wasilla where the good ol boys rule and everything is under the table. "




It doesnt add upp wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:59 AM:

" This was a 2 year $100K contract & the article states that 25% was to be used for benefits right.

Well 25% of $100K = $25k - yet the City is "claiming" that the $12.5 was not allowed? Last time I did simple math that is only 12.5%.

Why did this Chamber Board roll over to the Big Bad City?? "




How come wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:47 AM:

" We elect 3 new faces to our assembly and good people may I add and this is the lead story??

I want to hear the newly elected officials ideas on growth,businesses, jobs and a future for my children and I have to read this.

I don't care - where is the real news??

Maybe it is time for me to go back to reading that other paper again. "




Im done wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:10 AM:

" This paper is done in my book - just call it the Obama-National Press - Sleight has lost her mind & gone way too far by alllowing non-confirmed articles in this rag!

Put her , Mitchell & Disher on the next boat to Chine - good riddens !

Anyone else interested in a petition to the owners?

Yet - this probably won't even be printed so why do I ask? "




Cant sleep wrote on Oct 9, 2009 12:04 AM:

" I decided to read the paper on-line & am tired of reading crap - come on either start reporting on what we really need to know or just revert to a tabloid. I love the pictures & sports but besides that this fish-wrapper is very slanted.

Watch Ron & Mark I see you guys being attacked next!!

Go home Sleight - you are too left for us educated readers!! "




Raise wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:57 PM:

" I served on this board when we gave Cheryl this increase ( not a raise Todd- do your job will you)
She did not give it to herself & it was in the contract with the city - so maybe we need to ask the city about their “improprieties.”

Maybe it is time we start questioning the accuracy of this paper & their reporting.

BTW isn't Keri Sleight running for the board yet she allows this so called reporting to go on- I will be voting for anyone but her for the Chamber Board! "




Newcomer to Wasilla wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:12 PM:

" I haven't lived here very long but from what I have seen on the blogs & stories written by the Frontiersman regarding the Wasilla
chamber and the Metiva's...well, this is one of the most hateful, mean communities we have lived in. First chance I get, I'm taking my business & moving my family back to Anchorage. "




none of my business wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:10 PM:

" If city is saying they need the proper receipts why did they approve everything presented to them in the past - they should have caught this then. I write alot of grants and I have never seen any action like this.

I will advise everyone to stay away from any City funding in the future. Sounds like they are out to get someone here. "




Former City Employee wrote on Oct 8, 2009 8:53 PM:

" We received and authorized quarterly reports on this contract - every expense was approved by the previous finance department and staff so why these expenses being questioned now? "




discourse wrote on Oct 8, 2009 8:52 PM:

" I'm sorry, but I don't benefit by my tax dollars going to the Chamber... and I don't appreciate paying taxes to go to some conniving group of thieves. So.... cut it out! Stop spending my money; let these folks be self-supporting! "




Metiva wrote on Oct 8, 2009 6:36 PM:

" And what about Cheryl Metiva? So she goes away free with the Chamber holding the bag? She was running the show when the improper expenses were accrued so why not hold her liable? The cops should be at her door right now! The Chamber should sue Metiva for the funds too! She and Marty are crooks! Can you imagine what would have happened had he been elected Mayor? We'd have one more crook in City Hall and Cheryl would still be ripping up all of at the Chamber. Jail time! "