NTCC in controversy: Groups demands agency’s transparency over use of public funds

USA — According to recent investigations, in the 17 people of the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation who were given rights over the public money — millions and millions of it — intended for the promotion of both the Niagara Falls and the Niagara County, three were legitimate public officials.

Mainly, these officials need to determine how money garnered from casino operations could be used to invite more tourists to Niagara and keep them coming. These people, however, should also keep in mind that a part of the money must go to the hotel employees in the form of their salaries.

However, with the presence of the three officials, the agency has managed to veer away from limiting state laws which could allow ordinary civilians to access their records. This placed the agency on the hot sea t— incessantly being demanded by people and groups to give their insights on the question: “How much info must be released in public by agencies when it comes to the issue of spending the public’s money?”

At the most, the agency had released very few info, and had shown keenness and scepticism when it comes to releasing information regarding Niagara County’s tourism budget. Some of the info the agency has disclosed are the employees’ salaries (excluding that of the president); receipts and detailed expense breakdowns of domestic and international trips and the salaries private consultants have been given.