I want to point out something good that happened this last week.  It all started out when it came to the attention of both the Community Foundation and the Mayor’s office that there was a huge problem with the Chamber Treasurer’s report.  As the reports stand now on the Chamber website, there is $19,000 less on the beginning balance of November - January’s report than is on the ending balance of October’s report. 

At first blush, having $19,000 missing from a report seems a little bit more than rough – and you would be right.  But we aren’t going to discuss what happened with the report.  I want to focus on what is being done to correct the report. 

When the mistake was brought to the attention of the Mayor’s Office and the Community Foundation they took action.  It wasn’t just someone else’s problem.  You see, the $19,000 is a big chunk of the Light-Up the Courthouse money and both organizations are involved with that project.  Once they realized that financial accountability is vital for their credibility, they spoke to the Chamber to see how this mistake could be fixed.   

To the credit of all three organizations, this problem was not just swept under the rug.  The Chamber put on the front page of their website that the problem has been identified and is in the process of being fixed.  So far, there has been no movement to hide anything and they are actually taking the time to make sure that they present the right information at their next meeting.  Hopefully, a full, detailed accounting will be posted soon.  This is actually how problems of this nature should be handled.   

Mistakes will always happen.  It is how we deal with those mistakes that can earn trust and respect.