Per the Winston-Salem Journal:
A firm owned by a member of the board that oversees the state’s Golden LEAF Foundation has received more than $129,000 so far for two projects funded largely by the foundation for work in Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties, according to local and foundation records.
The firm, Antaeus Consulting LLC, based in Alleghany County, is owned by Charlotte attorney Michael Almond and his wife, Helen Ruth Almond. Michael Almond serves on the board of the Golden LEAF Foundation, which awards grants using the state’s funds from a national settlement with tobacco companies.
According to the article, Almond recused himself from the vote on the grant, so it was deemed OK by Golden LEAF. I guess we are supposed to believe that it is just a “coincidence” that one of the board members will personally benefit from the grant money, and no conflict of interest is involved.
I’ve written extensively on the cronyism involved in Golden LEAF, this is simply the latest episode of the corrupt organization that should be dissolved.
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