Citizen oversight can be weak to the point of humor

It's not just about voting...

From email:

Yesterday, the Anacostia Coordinating Council board members were briefed by Dr. Ghandi regarding the tax office fraud. He provided us with a very detailed explanation of how it happened, when it was brought to his attention, what has been done thus far and what is to done going forward. He informed us that as long as the Mayor and Council had confidence in him he would stay and fix the problems. He is deeply dedicated to serving the people of DC and in no way could he consider leaving on his own because this happened on his watch and he takes it very personal.

Additionally, he informed us that he has appointed an independent audit committee consisting of John Hill and others. Over the next three years they will conduct audits to determine if systems have been fixed and the proper safeguards are in place. Year one, tax office and CFO; year two, schools; year three, remainder of govt. to include procurement and medicaid.

I personally feel that his contrition is sincere and genuine. My other thoughts and opinions I will keep to myself. I mainly just desire to report out what he said and not project my lens on you.
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John Hill is the executive director of the Federal City Council now, and was the director of the Control Board. How is this independent oversight?

WRT to the three year plan to check financial systems, umm, seems pretty "ambitious."

When I first went to public meetings in 1992, I used to say that it appeared as if people believed most whatever the last speaker said.

I guess we need to do more civic education in the schools...

A poster in a coffee shop in the Oakland college district in Pittsburgh.