No one symbolizes the power of Harlem more than Rep. Charles Rangel. With 28 years on Capitol Hill, he is the dean of the state's congressional delegation. And he has put his clout to good use, with the $300 million Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone being the most visible sign.

But as chairman for seven years of the Apollo Theatre Foundation, the nonprofit corporation entrusted with the crown jewel of 125th St., Rangel has been woefully ineffective. He has allowed the Apollo to fall into sad disrepair and be sapped of its vast economic and cultural potential.

The first, and most crucial, step toward restoring the Apollo's legacy must be for Rangel to sever his link to the theater. During his reign, the Apollo has become a physical eyesore. It sits dark most of the week. And its modern recording studio and sound stage remain underused.

Only on Wednesdays does the theater come alive -- for the popular Amateur Night, where new talent has been hailed, hooted and hooked since the 1930s. The show proves the theater's lure is magical -- if properly presented.

Then there is the popular syndicated TV show "It's Showtime at the Apollo," whose producer, powerbroker Percy Sutton, is Rangel's life-long friend and ally. Thanks to a five-year-old sweetheart licensing deal, the Apollo -- and all its trademarks -- essentially have become Sutton's exclusive domain.

That lopsided deal has been compounded by the failure of Rangel and his board to enforce the contract terms. Late last year, with Sutton owing what some insiders estimated at more than $3 million, a board panel accepted a mere $145,000 as full payment. It is not clear whether the full board has ratified that settlement and whether any money has actually been paid.

Rangel claims to know nothing about the settlement. And therein lies the problem: Rangel's absentee leadership. He has entrusted the theater to Sutton and an insular board that bears the taint of the Harlem Urban Development Corp.

Rangel and HUDC formed the Apollo foundation in 1991 -- four years before HUDC was disbanded amid allegations of corruption and fiscal chicanery. Apollo board members Eugene McCabe, Richard Greene and the Rev. William James all served with Rangel on the HUDC board. Of the 11 founding foundation board members, eight remain. As McCabe said, half in jest, in an interview, serving on the Apollo board is a "lifetime appointment." That must change.

In a telephone interview, Rangel said, "The Apollo is very dear and near to me and probably deserves better than me." He's right. Rangel has left the theater begging for money, while his pal Sutton continues to enjoy its fruits.

Until the Apollo Theatre Foundation has a leader with vision, expertise and the fiscal sense to spend wisely, the organization's campaign to raise $30 million for renovations and a stabilizing endowment must be halted. Under current leadership, donors would be throwing good money after bad.

The board must be reconstituted -- sans Rangel and his cronies -- with a mandate to renegotiate the "It's Showtime at the Apollo" deal. The current agreement with Sutton expired in December but has been extended temporarily. A new agreement must not be signed until the board can demonstrate it has collected all the money Sutton owes. Even then, the board, despite hiring a respected law firm to guide it, has forfeited all trust that it can properly run the theater.

Under inspired new leadership, the Apollo could take advantage of the Harlem tourism boom. A lucrative gift shop and cafe -- dreams of executive director Grace Blake -- could become a reality under an energized, creative board.

If business (or lack thereof) as usual continues under Rangel, the state, the owner of the Apollo, must step in. Its lease requires the foundation to maintain the theater in good condition and to provide quarterly financial reports. The foundation has done neither -- ample justification for turning the operation over to a more responsible group.

Also, under state law, Attorney General Dennis Vacco or a board member can petition the court to remove Rangel or dissolve the entire body. All that's required is evidence of a breach of fiduciary duties. Although no government agency has ever audited the foundation, there is evidence aplenty -- as this page has shown today and yesterday.

When the Apollo Theatre Foundation was created, the goal was to insure that the legendary theater would remain a haven of dreams, ambition and talent. Rangel can now put it back on that path. By stepping down gracefully.