From the Columbus Republic:
A state audit of the previous administration’s Columbus Redevelopment Commission alleges that it failed to follow statutory processes, circumvented public bidding laws and lacked regular reporting and transparency.
This year’s audit of last year’s commission, conducted by the State Board of Accounts, highlights problems mirrored in a 2011 state audit of the city of Columbus.
Both audits covered dealings during the administration of then-Mayor Fred Armstrong.
“Our attorneys checked with State Board of Accounts, I would think, before they did what they did. These are the same questions that came up before. I can only work with what our attorneys say is legal,” Armstrong said after viewing the audit report. “We have always checked with the State Board of Accounts when there has been a question. Don’t understand why now?”
Current Mayor Kristen Brown, who, during her mayoral campaign, was critical of how the Redevelopment Commission operated, had a more negative take on the state board’s summary report, which was made public in late November.
“The report details an unfortunate disregard for the laws ensuring the public’s money is spent openly and transparently,” Brown said.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/local_story/State-audit-critical-of-develo_1355022254
