Concerned Members of the Affiliated Organizations of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Posted by Jim on February 9, 2016
Questions to the Board of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Concerned Members of the Affiliated Organizations of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Feb 9, 2016 — In the spirit of St. Patrick, the Concerned Members of the Affiliated Organizations (“CMAO”) thanks Dr. Lahey for visiting with the various Affiliated Organizations regarding the current controversies surrounding the Parade. We had hoped that Dr. Lahey would use these visits to listen and reflect on the questions and concerns about the Parade from the people whom he himself described as “the heart and soul of the parade.” It is with great sadness and regret that we must report that rather than embracing this opportunity; he has chosen to engage in self-justification and not dialogue.
We reluctantly feel obliged to inform the Affiliated Organizations of what has been seen and experienced by the members of the various organizations over the past several weeks as we have attended a number of meetings at which Dr. Lahey has made numerous contradictory statements which have unfortunately raised more questions than answers. We wish to share with you some unresolved questions:
WHY does Dr. Lahey say, on the one hand, that he recognizes John Tully as “the elected Chairman of the Parade Committee,” but at a different meeting say that he does not recognize the duly elected Parade Committee, nor the right of Affiliated Organizations to vote for anyone other than candidates preapproved by the Board?
WHY does Dr. Lahey say that “the Board will not recognize the Parade Committee” since the Board has not met since September of 2015, well before the election of the Grand Marshall? Does Dr. Lahey’s position reflect a formal position of the entire Board, or does it reflect his personal opinion?
WHY has Dr. Lahey APPOINTED a Special Executive Committee led by Hilary Beirne and Frank McGreal to run the 2016 Parade when the duly elected Parade Committee has consistently offered their services?
WHY does Dr. Lahey not seem to know who is in charge of the Formation Committee, since he declared at one meeting that Hillary Beirne was in charge, but on the same day a letter was issued, signed by Dr. Leahey and “Mr. Reilly Dondon, Formation Chairman”, announcing a Delegates meeting?
WHY has there been no money for Parade Committee scholarships for the past two years, when the Board has seen fit to pay more than $17,000 for a reception at the NY Athletic Club?
WHY is a Quinnipiac University public relations person listed as the contact person in the press package issued at the formal announcement of the Grand Marshall?
WHY is the duly elected Parade Committee not listed on the Parade Corporation letterhead or website?
WHY did the Board list members of the Parade Committee and several other individuals on a fundraising appeal letter as members of the Journal Committee without their approval or any prior notice?
WHY are there THREE members on the Board who are not eligible to serve, according to the requirements for membership put forth in the Parade Corporation By-Laws?
WHY is the Parade Corporation spending money on a very public lawsuit, rather than trying to preserve money and resolve disputes quietly and personally?
WHY is the Parade Corporation locked into a 3-year contract with NBC, costing $525,000 in broadcasting fees to NBC and $600,000 in production costs, without having opened the television contract up to a public bidding process?
WHY is the Parade paying NBC, rather than being paid for the privilege of letting NBC broadcast the parade and deriving their own revenues?
WHY has there only been one meeting of the Affiliated Organizations this year, when by this time in past years there would have been several?
WHY did Hilary Beirne submit a letter to the Attorney General of New York, apparently without Dr. Lahey’s prior knowledge or approval (according to Dr. Lahey), while at the same time he was saying publicly that he wanted to avoid government interference?
It should be clear that the concerns being raised are less about the personalities of any one individual, than they are about preserving and strengthening the voice of the Affiliated Organizations. We reject the idea of a limited Board of self-perpetuating individuals who have no obligation to listen to the democratically-elected representatives of the people who make up the Parade.
We have great respect and admiration for Senator Mitchell, and none of our questions should be in any way interpreted as aimed at the Grand Marshal. In fact, that some groups are participating in the Parade at all is largely due to his presence. But many groups who would normally sponsor tables and ads in the journal have declined to do so this year, in silent protest of the actions of the Board. If the Board refuses to acknowledge the elected representatives of the Affiliated Organizations, then the Affiliated Organizations quite reasonably are asking why they should support the Board.
We have a concern that the Board is no longer working for the good of the parade.
These are only some of the many questions raised by many people who are concerned about the Parade. The Affiliated Organizations have been unable to get satisfactory answers. We encourage all who are involved in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to continue to ask questions – in public meetings, by writing to newspapers and individuals concerned, including the Parade leaders, the Cardinal, and anyone whose voice should be heard. Make your own voices and feelings known in your local and county and state groups, and in any conversation between now and March 17.
God bless your efforts, and may St. Patrick continue to bless and protect his parade and his people.