Jim Allen Must Leave The Amherst IDA For It To Be Open
The Amherst IDA is just about the most corrupt agency in Amherst. This agency has been under the leadership of just one man, James Allen, since its inception. Allen has a papier-mâché board that passes nearly everything he puts before them.
When authorities investigate his books they will quickly discover that the books are filled with misinformation concerning how many local people were actually given jobs by the company coming to Amherst and what level the jobs were. He has given tax breaks to restaurants, movie houses and to many company who are not covered by the statue of the IDA. Mr. Allen has stated publicly that these companies are lying just to look good before the Board.
Each of his Amherst IDA lawyers earned over $100,000. As for Mr. Allen’s salary, he will not reveal it. It is clearly over $120,000 plus a huge incentive for every deal he brings into Amherst. I have requested that information under the Freedom Of Information Act to no avail thus far.
New blood must be brought in. Allen must be replaced. We need more checks and balances. Currently James Allen turns a bright shade of red when anyone suggests going over his books. Don’t want him to have a stoke, just be open to inspection. Nothing to hide, nothing to fear.
Jake Said,
January 31, 2013 @ 6:15 pm
It’s always suspicious when FOIL requests are stonewalled. It only succeeds in creating more distrust people have in their government.
Michele Marconi Said,
February 5, 2013 @ 5:39 pm
he made in 2011, $177,408 plus $30,000 fringe.
Audit available at http://www.abo.ny.gov and the AIDA has FAILED to provide the most recent reports to the Authorities budget office. They are on a dunning list.
jjtric Said,
February 5, 2013 @ 8:54 pm
According to See Through NY website http://seethroughny.net/index.php?cID=164 the figures are slightly different. They list the years 2008 – 2011. You are right though, there are no final figures for 2012. They only give a very small figure, about a month, which is useless. I put more of his figures in the second part of this post “Amherst IDA Head, James Allen Must Be Let Go – Part II”