Attorneys for the National Aviation Hall of Fame Friday sent an open letter to Republican 10th District Congressman Mike Turner regarding Turner's investigation into the organization's operations.
The open letter is the latest development in an escalating war of words between Turner and the Hall of Fame. It follows Turner's notification last week to the NAHF he was drafting legislation to terminate the NAHF congressional charter.
In the letter, attorney David Greer outlines a series of questions NAHF officials want the congressman to answer, charging Turner is acting on a, "personal unhappiness over, and disappointment with," several of the NAHF Board's decisions, particularly board chair Michael Quiello's recent statement the board could vote to move this year's enshrinement ceremony out of Dayton, Ohio.
Turner sent a letter to Chairman of the NAHF Board of Trustees Bill Harris saying that the NAHF must cease and desist all deliberations, efforts or activities that relate to selling or disposing of artifacts in the NAHF’s possession, stating:
“During the Congressional investigation into the financial practices of the NAHF, it has come to my attention that the NAHF has deliberated about and considered selling, or otherwise disposing of, artifacts donated by NAHF contributors or enshrinees. The Congressional investigation has revealed that the NAHF has apparently considered this option as a means of raising funds that are desperately needed due to the dire financial circumstances of the NAHF.”
“No museum or enshrinement hall can maintain credibility if the collection of artifacts in its possession is seen as a possible revenue source," the statement continued.
Following the initial announcement in January of Turner's investigation, Harris said, "we welcome any additional audit and/or financial review beyond the annual audit that is conducted at the NAHF."
Read the full contents of NAHF's open letter below:
