not legal advice - ai assisted

Disgusting? Deflection. Experience Needed.

The cancellation of the FAUX Chamber's Annual Fundraiser, the Sod Buster Tournament, without public notification, sparks legitimate concerns. Allegations persist of clandestine meetings where authority is assigned without adhering to the organization's rules, leading to decisions shrouded in secrecy. Such actions are not disclosed to the members. This absence of accountability and transparency forces the organization and its stakeholders to seek answers publicly. Disrespecting inquirers serves only to deflect, intimidate, or deter them and others from pursuing further accountability and clarity.

CHAMBER.FAUXTRANSPARENCY.ACCOUNTABILITY.CLARITY

amberly martin

6/10/20242 min read

graffiti on a wall with the word hope painted on it

Transparency and Accountability: The Heart of Community Trust

The recent cancellation of the AREA Chamber's annual Sod Buster golf tournament and the scheduling of a benefit tournament for AREA Chamber's president Jeannette Hilliker's husband, Mike, has sparked significant discussion within our community. It's essential to clarify that raising questions about these decisions is not an act of insensitivity or a lack of compassion.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

When individuals label legitimate inquiries into the operations and decisions of an influential organization as "disgusting," it raises concerns about their understanding of transparency and accountability. These principles are crucial, especially when public events and fundraising activities are deeply ingrained in our community’s culture.

The Cancellation of the Sod Buster Event

The decision to cancel the Chamber's Sod Buster event, a significant annual fundraiser, without notifying the public, understandably raises valid concerns. The assertion of secret meetings where decisions were made, yet no communication of these meetings or the decisions rendered, leaves room for speculation and mistrust.

The Need for Clear Communication

The community deserves to know why a critical event was replaced with a benefit for an individual, particularly when the individual in question does not appear to be in immediate financial distress. This is not an attempt to be insensitive; my own mother has been battling cancer for years and must travel to Kansas City, MO, monthly for treatments that leave her ill for weeks. I understand the importance of compassion and support during difficult times.

Impact on the Chamber's Mission

This decision affects the Chamber's ability to support local commerce and fulfill its mission. The conversation referenced shows a simple search for information and a desire for better communication, including transparency from the Chamber. Unfortunately, the response to this inquiry was met with personal attacks.

A Call for Integrity and Accountability

Is this how the AREA Chamber believes an organization should operate—by responding to calls for improvement or accountability with personal attacks?

Horseshoe Bend deserves an organization that exemplifies integrity and accountability, serving the public interest with transparency and professionalism.

In conclusion, raising questions about the cancellation of the Sod Buster event and the scheduling of a benefit tournament is not "disgusting" nor is it about insensitivity.

It's about ensuring that our community's organizations operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Let's strive for a community where open communication and integrity are the norms, not the exceptions.