Wasilla chamber simply wants to move forward

Given the latest information about spending that has taken place in recent years on the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce account, it’s no wonder the board of directors would like to move on and do a better job.

Lots of us would like to have a mulligan at times in our lives.

Most people who are arraigned in court every day would like to move on. They would like to put the past behind them and start anew.

Most of those in orange jumpsuits and handcuffs would like to look ahead and not even talk about their crime in the future.

So it’s a little galling when the chamber posts on its website a message about the agenda for a Wednesday meeting of the board of directors:

“We hope those of you who wish to make your comments known to the board will attend, as the Board is committed to moving forward with Chamber business in a positive and product (sic) manner, and this will be your only opportunity to comment on past decisions of the board.”

So, all you chamber members, stop what you are doing and attend this meeting — 4:30 p.m. at the Wasilla Depot — or you will never, ever be allowed to speak again about the apparent waste of your money. Or the erosion of the chamber’s credibility in the community.

This will be your last and only chance to ask the board about thousands of dollars lost on “liberal spending” and lack of supervision.

The board seems to have excused Metiva’s behavior because she was “under the direct supervision of no less than 4 Board of Directors.” If Metiva needs someone telling her that spending the chamber membership’s money for personal services and goods is wrong, how can the board think she’s the best person to lead the organization?

There are many documented cases of supervised employees who have spent company funds for personal gain. One only needs to search court records to understand that it’s not only wrong, it’s illegal.

If the chamber membership is offended by the spending and lack of accountability, then the members should find out how much an audit like that would cost and do the board a favor by chipping in a few bucks apiece and have it done.

Or better yet, take the cost out of Metiva’s salary. If the audit clears her, then reimburse the back wages.

More importantly, chamber members need to voice their concerns at the board meeting on Wednesday. Let the board know it’s impossible to move forward, positive and productive or otherwise, until an independent audit exonerates Metiva or validates the allegations.