That the question must be asked a full two months after this page exposed the terrible conditions of Harlem's Apollo Theatre is troubling. The famed venue is on life support, but nobody in the emergency room is in a hurry.

When it was revealed that the state-owned landmark was physically deteriorating, flat broke and sitting empty five or six nights a week, state economic development officials and the attorney general both announced they were on the case. Since then, there has been no clear progress in saving the theater.

Most important, officials have not yet demanded that any new licensing agreements for the valuable Apollo trademarks be put up for competitive bid. Nor have they demanded a shakeup of the board of directors that failed the theater in the first place.

The result is that, instead of being the centerpiece of a revived 125th St., the Apollo is becoming more like a millstone.

The prime responsibility now rests with Attorney General Dennis Vacco. He launched an investigation into whether the Apollo got its full share of money from a license agreement with Inner City Broadcasting, producer of the popular syndicated TV show "It's Showtime at the Apollo."

Vacco is examining the five-year agreement, which expired in December, under which the Apollo was supposed to get 25% of the revenues from the show. Although the program generated at least $26 million, the theater received only $200,000. The disparity led the foundation's own controller, who is backed by a growing board faction, to say it is owed $4 million more. It's hard to see how Vacco could conclude otherwise.

Inner City is owned by former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton, a close associate of Rep. Charles Rangel, the chairman of the theater foundation.

Despite the agreement's expiration, there is talk among some board members of another extension for Inner City. That must not happen until any delinquent payments are made. And certainly a new deal must be based on competitive bidding. Never again can insiders decide to award the valuable trademarks to a friend of the board chairman without seeking other bidders.

Rangel says he foresees no need for changes on the board. Let's hope he's wrong. He does agree, however, that open bidding is essential.

That could happen quickly. Television executive Frank Mercado-Valdes wants to produce and distribute the show and has offered guarantees far above anything Sutton has paid.

The offer should inspire Vacco to move quickly and forcefully. Other media companies also might be interested. But he'll never know if he allows the current board to continue its peculiar brand of business as usual.