The American Rescue Plan Act was designed to relieve struggling communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But what happens when these federal dollars meant for public good end up in the pockets of elected officials or their affiliated organizations? The city of Chattanooga is grappling with this very issue. Two prominent groups receiving funds from the plan are under scrutiny for potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns.
Chattanooga Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod's fiancé, Anthony Gladden, founded Kingship Chess Academy and the non-profit Kingship Chess Group, a chess program that received $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funds.
Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley is the executive director of The Net Resource Foundation, a non-profit that received $250,000 in federal dollars. Both Coonrod and Dotley have been accused of conflicts of interest, as their close associations with the groups that received funds raise questions about the impartiality of their decision-making as elected officials.
According to the Chattanooga City Charter, elected officials are required to avoid conflicts of interest and act solely in the public's best interest. Impropriety by an elected official can take many forms, including using their position for personal gain, abusing power, or showing favoritism to specific individuals, groups or family members. In this case, the potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns stem from Coonrod and Dotley's close relationships with the organizations that received federal funds and could benefit financially from these transactions.
The lack of oversight from the Mayor's office and the remaining City Council raises additional concerns about the appropriateness of these transactions.
To make matters worse, Kingship Chess Academy was dissolved by the Tennessee Secretary of State's office after failing to file its annual report on time in 2022. How did two high-risk groups missing proper financial statements receive federal funds? This inconsistency and lack of transparency only highlight the need for greater accountability and oversight in allocating public funds.
The American Rescue Plan Act was intended to provide much-needed relief to struggling communities. Still, these recent allegations of conflicts of interest and ethical concerns overshadow its efficacy. As the city of Chattanooga grapples with these issues, elected officials must act in the best interest of their constituents and uphold the highest ethical standards. The public deserves transparency and accountability in the allocation of federal funds, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure that these funds are distributed fairly and equitably. Anything less is a disservice to the public trust.
Marie Mott