The Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association recently eliminated two of its board members. The board voted 11-3 to remove James Aldrich, maintenance director, and Don Van Dyke, stage chairman, at its meeting Oct. 29.

Van Dyke contends the board’s decision was in retaliation to questions he raised about the conduct of the association’s treasurer.

Van Dyke said he contacted the Oregon Department of Justice, suggesting the association had breached its fiduciary duty by allowing the treasurer to make financial decisions without board approval.

Chairman of Fundraising and Membership Rick Shearer said the allegations are frivolous. Jake Weigler, a spokesman in the Department of Justice, said the agency is reviewing Van Dyke’s complaint.

Van Dyke and Aldrich suggest the association has been taken over by a small faction that has deviated from the group’s mission.

Van Dyke provided as an example the difficulty he had in getting copies of the association’s bylaws. The treasurer, Susan Watson, e-mailed him a quote of $95.90 for a copy of the bylaws and other paperwork.

“The truth is, it’s retaliation. They are getting rid of a troublemaker, but they can’t say that,” Van Dyke said.

Aldrich said he took issue with Watson over taking money to make repairs.

“The treasurer didn’t like me spending money, but you need to spend money to do proper maintenance,” he said. “I guess I was a thorn in their side.”

 Shearer said the board was having problems with the two men.

“Their actions have been incompatible with the rest of the board,” he read from a statement prepared by himself, Watson and the association president, Anella Dumas, among others.

Shearer also vouched for Watson’s actions.

“She did nothing wrong,” he said.

Watson did not return calls for comment.

Although the Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association operates the theater, it is owned by the city of Coos Bay’s Urban Renewal Agency. At a recent agency meeting, Gene Melton and Mark Daily complimented the group’s work.

“The budget is in the black for a change and the theater board has got its act together,” said Melton.

(Staff Writer Alexander Rich covers Coos Bay issues for The World. He can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext. 234; or by e-mailing to arich@theworldlink.com.)