Peltier to assist M-PAC

The Multi-Purpose Arena Coalition has enlisted the help of a familiar and knowledgeable name to help Northern Lights Arena run more efficiently.

Former Alpena County Coordinator James Peltier will serve as a consultant for M-PAC, the group in charge of managing the arena. Peltier will look at a variety of issues M-PAC leaders hope will improve the arena.

"It's nice to have a fresh face, and who better to have than someone who knows Northern Lights Arena," M-PAC Chairman Bill Peterson said.

Peltier, who served as county coordinator from 2000-2005 and has experience working with the arena, will interview and review each M-PAC board member and will evaluate how the organization handles the arena's business.

He will also look at, and potentially update, the arena's employee handbook and will examine the facility's energy consumption and offer possible solutions.

M-PAC has had problems in the past with allegations of sexual harassment against board members and arena personnel. The Alpena County Prosecutor's Office recently found a complaint against arena manager Bob Krafft to not warrant any charges. An internal investigation by M-PAC came to the same conclusion.

The group has also had financial difficulties in the past, though it is projected to finish 2008 in the black.

Peterson said Peltier's experience should be able to further push the arena in the right direction. He said his experience in grant writing especially could result in good things for the arena.

"He gives us some extra teeth in that," Peterson said.

Bringing in Peltier, who is volunteering his time to do the consulting, is not an indication that M-PAC isn't happy with it's current staff, it's simply using another set of eyes and ears, Peterson said.

"It's no reflection of what Bob is doing. We're trying to reorganize our structure," he said.

Krafft said he knows Peltier and knows he is very intelligent and will be an asset to the arena.

"I look forward to using his knowledge and ability," Krafft said.

Peltier said he does not know how long it will take him to review everything and come back to M-PAC with options and recommendations. He said he expects the process to be thorough.

"I will sit down and look at all the facts and all the information," he said. "It's sort of like an audit."

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.