On the Friday, January 9 edition of OPEN AGENDA (S3 E2), we discuss the the County Executive's veto of a bill authorizing the Internal Auditor to audit the County Council. Why would she object to the Council being subject to internal audit? Earlier this week, the Council voted across party lines to override her veto by an overwhelming 6 to 1 majority. The bill, which applies equal standards to all branches and departments of the county government, was drafted at the Administration's request, and was a months-long collaborative effort between the Council, Administration and County Attorney. So why did the Executive unexpectedly veto the bill? The answer is simple: In addition to authorizing the Internal Auditor to audit the Council, the bill also gives the Auditor certain oversight responsibilities unrelated to audits (as explicitly permitted by the Charter) to which audit standards cannot be applied. Perhaps the Executive is concerned that the Internal Auditor's new “non-audit” duties will reveal things that she would prefer to remain hidden. During her “word salad” response to the veto, the Executive once again demonstrated her inability to interpret the Charter, and even her own Law Department left the room and wasn't present to defend her position.
We also discuss how the Executive provided the press release regarding her veto to selected media outlets, but did not post it on the County's official web page for six days. In the interim, she used her personal web page to direct readers exclusively to a notoriously biased blog page, thus enhancing its revenues. This blogger has made generous campaign contributions to the Executive, has previously benefited from an exclusive contract with the Administration, and continues to provide the Executive with unfettered political support (essentially acting as a political operative). By such actions, has the Executive violated ethical standards or perhaps even laws prohibiting collusion? Investigations into this matter will continue. Tune in and be informed.
