Report: Cultural Agencies Misused Funds Accountability, Leadership Concerns at Issue; Directors Refute Allegations

Summary

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AUGUSTA - The state's cultural agencies allegedly misused $4,000 in state and federal funds, possibly to secure the services of an independent lobbyist, according to a draft audit report released Monday.

A seven-page document issued by the Office of the State Controller outlines the financial relationship among the Verrill Dana law firm, the Maine Community Cultural Alliance and members of the state's Cultural Affairs Council. These include a council chairman, along with chairmen and vice-chairmen of the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Historic Preservation Commission, Maine Library Commission, Maine State Museum Commission, Maine State Archives Advisory Board, Maine Humanities Council and Maine Historical Society.

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Report: Cultural Agencies Misused Funds Accountability, Leadership Concerns at Issue; Directors Refute Allegations

In June of this year, according to the report, several people came forward with allegations of possible wrongdoing and unethical behavior on the part of the cultural agencies. The individuals alleged, among other things, that members of the Cultural Affairs Council "circumvent[ed] the prohibition of using state or federal...

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