Though unwilling to speak to The Bethlehem Press directly, Steel Museum CEO Steve Donches and board member L. Charles Marcon have both issued written statements, taking strong exception to the Grad Jury report.

Donches accuses District Attorney John Morganelli of personal antagonism, flatly denying that the museum project is a rest home for retired steel executives. He stated his compensation, deemed excessive by the Grand Jury, is based on a study prepared by a compensation expert. He indicates that museum construction has been hampered by 9/11, a "severe economic recession" in 2004, and yet another in 2008.

Donchez also denies the conflict of interest allegations presented against board member Lee Butz. Though his construction firm received over $2.8 million in payments, there was full disclosure. He also reminds everyone that the Grand Jury made no finding of criminal behavior.

Echoing that reminder, board member L. Charles Marcon called the museum a "prime motivating force" in the revitalization of the brownfield once known as Bethlehem Steel. He denied that the museum is "shrouded in secrecy," noting that it files an annual tax return that us available for public inspection.

Marcon did not address his own conflict of interest in bidding on projects, nor did he respond to the conflict of interest allegations made against Lee Butz. He promised a more complete response from the board itself, after it meets in the next week.

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez had this to say about the Grand Jury report: "I believe the board needs to evaluate its goals and mission to determine if their original goals are still relevant."