Frank Wright is continuing to pursue his dream of not only bringing racing back to the Vermilion County Fairgrounds, but also bringing the fairgrounds to life with some new attractions, such as a kids bike track and a hobby shop.
On Monday night, Wright attended the Fair Board meeting at the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Building. The Fair Board has stated that the grounds are not for sale, and that the grounds belong to the Fair Board, via the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as long as they have a county fair each year.
But Wright is asking for information. He requested that the governor’s office open an investigation. And Wright says he asked for specific financial information during Monday’s Fair Board meeting.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: And I simply asked them if they would please provide me with seven years of their finances, so I could see what kind of state they’re actually in. You know, we have a lot of rumors floating around. I don’t work off of rumors. I like to look a man in the eye, and just ask him for what I would have wanted. Board Chairman Rick White has promised to have over the seven years of finances, as well as a copy of their bylaws.
Chairman Rick White said he took offense to implications of financial wrongdoing by the Vermilion County Fair Board; and he says they are requesting years of Frank Wright’s finances as well.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I’ve been on that board almost 40 years. And I’ve spent a small fortune of my own money out there doing things. I’m the electrician, I also take care of the water. We want to be transparent, we don’t want those rumors going around about us. So, we told him we would comply with that. He wants to do business with us in some aspect, those details haven’t been addressed yet. So, we in turn, want seven years of his financial information also.
As for his request that the governor’s office get involved; Frank Wright stated he’s just requesting that they perform their duty to the people.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I just told the governor the facts, and asked if they would investigate it further; so that I could have an answer of who is actually in charge of making sure things are done right in fair order. And if we found out they’d like to sell it, who’s the actual person that’s going to be able to put it for sale, and come to an agreement to a proper price. And that’s what the governor’s office is for; they work for the people. And they were more than happy to help.
The next Vermilion County Fair Board meeting is set for Monday evening, May 8th, 7 PM at the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Building.
