The City's highly touted Tricentennial event, which is scheduled to begin on New Year's Eve, continues to unravel as new questions are being asked about the Tricentennial Commission following the sudden resignation of the Commission's head earlier this week, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Now, northwest side Councilman Greg Brockhouse is demanding an 'independent review of the operational and financial processes of the Tricentennial, to include who had supervisory responsibility for the Tricentennial and CEO.
'From my first briefing on the Tricentennial Commission, I have become increasingly concerned about the fundraising and operational progress of the 300-year anniversary celebration," Brockhouse said. "The resignation of the Tricentennial CEO was a necessary step, but much more transparency is needed. It alarms me that this resignation comes with less than 48 days before the kickoff Celebration on New Year’s Eve."
Downtown Councilman Roberto Trevino, in whose district many of the Tricentennial events will take place, is working hard to maintain confidence and support in the Tricentennial Commission and the goal of the long-planned event.
"As Chairman of the (Arts, Culture, and Heritage) Committee, I believe we should give the Tricentennial Commission and interim leadership the time and opportunity to assess the progress and make any necessary changes," Trevino said. "I expect Interim CEO Carlos Contreras – who has been on the job for one day – to provide an update to the Committee next week. I have full confidence in his responsiveness and I will work to ensure he reports to the committee regularly."
Trevino says we need to keep our eyes on the ball.
"I challenge my Council colleagues to remain focused on helping to make this undertaking a great success for our community. We have the burden of responsibility to make this moment shine in the history of our city. The Committee will continue the oversight of the Tricentennial effort and will work with the Tricentennial Commission, City Manager, and Mayor on planning and events.”
But Brockhouse says there is a lack of accountability on the part of the Tricentennial Commission.
"We must be completely transparent with the public on the status and future of the Tricentennial celebration," he said. "These shortfalls are not the sole responsibility of the CEO. Accountability demands an independent review to ensure the systemic issues that led to these breakdowns are removed immediately."