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Letters: Lack of transparency

I was surprised to read in Murray Dobbin’s column [Counterpoint: Community Futures has room for improvement, August 2] that Community Futures in Powell River has $2.7 million sitting in its bank account.

I was surprised to read in Murray Dobbin’s column [Counterpoint: Community Futures has room for improvement, August 2] that Community Futures in Powell River has $2.7 million sitting in its bank account.

The fact that this money could have been loaned to new businesses or businesses looking to expand is really unfortunate given how badly Powell River needs economic development. The lack of profile this organization seems to have in the community is a problem since it is supposed to be attracting potential entrepreneurs.

When I checked out Community Future Powell River’s website, I found the success stories it highlighted were quite old, such as the Alchemist Restaurant, which closed over a year ago, and the Lund Hotel, which underwent renovations that were completed years ago.

Also, I could not find any information on the organization’s finances and how it is being managed. This does not seem to set a good standard of transparency for a taxpayer-funded agency.

From what former City of Powell River community futures board liaison Karen Skadsheim said, it is clear the local branch needs to be much more transparent and accountable than they currently are.

Nearly $3 million dollars could go a long way to help grow the economy, create new job opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship in Powell River.

Alice Robert
Powell River