This is the first time I have gone public with this strange little occurrence, but I feel compelled to in light of the recent events surrounding the Chamber of Commerce.

About seven years ago I was questioning Frank Ferrara about salaries, bonuses, pensions and employee benefits. I was told to meet with him in their offices on a specific day at a given time. When I got there several people were there, Shawn White, Chamber of Commerce legal counsel, Mark McDermott, Doug Schmidt and Frank Ferrara; in the middle of the table sat a tape recorder.

Somehow the meeting regarding salaries had somehow turned into a deposition of sorts!

I excused myself, went to my car, called my own legal counsel, Chet Yon. Chet came over and the Chamber’s demeanor changed dramatically.

Any answers I was looking for could be had with a subpoena.

To this day I wonder what in the world that was all about?

A severance package of $150,000 plus vacation? So is $165,000 the magic number and is the Chamber president’s salary? Why won’t he speak about this to the press?

I was suspicious seven years ago and I feel I have even more reason to be suspicious today. Let’s get an accountant to do an audit and get the truth out – clear and simple.