The column written by Mike Scharnow last week really opened my eyes and raised a lot of questions.

As a former CEO, I question why Mr. Frank Ferrara was given a three-year contract that is valid for another 14 months. I’m hearing around town that this additional time comes with a compensation package of $150,000.

Scharnow states that the Chamber of Commerce is “imploding,” and that sentiment is echoed by Jeff Lessig in his letter to the editor. Does it make sense to continue down this path for the next 14 months?

It appears to me this is a good time for the Chamber Board to look introspectively and seek a fresh start. The perception I’m hearing from many residents is that the Chamber simply is not functioning and benefiting businesses at this time.

Chamber membership is down from 600 to 425 members in a relatively short time. Mr. Ferarra states this 30 percent decline is due to the economy, yet during this time of decline, the local Business Alliance membership has grown.

For over 10 years, the Chamber Board has consistently had 17 board members...the maximum the by-laws allow. Now they have only eight members, over 50 percent fewer. Why did two well-respected people in our community, Teresa Russo-Cox, chairperson of the board, and her husband, Terry Cox, vice chair, both suddenly resign two weeks ago? This couple worked tirelessly for the Chamber for over three years. In business this rarely happens.

Why?

In my prior business leading 1,200 employees, we would act quickly when challenges developed and our corporate brand was being tarnished.

I’m inviting the Chamber Board to do the right thing and act now to work passionately to rebuild the Chamber brand image and honor the 425 business members that remain.