Thursday, November 30, 2006
Four under investigation for alleged unauthorized use of county credit cards
Gazette, Berger, 30 Nov 2006
Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs
Records Show Thousands of Dollars Charged to County-Issued Cards in Violation of Policy
Post, Thompson, 20 Nov 2006
Post, Thompson, 20 Nov 2006
- Exum, Camille
- Harrington, David
- Johnson, Jack B.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Pr. George's Calls On Md. Prosecutor; Officials' Visa Bills Will Be Reviewed
Post, Thompson, 28 Nov 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
More on PG County Credit Card Corruption
The November 20 Washington Post story: "Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs; Records Show Thousands of Dollars Charged to County-Issued Cards in Violation of Policy" generated a fair amount of discussion, especially about some of the lame excuses put forward by various officials.
The Gazette followed up with a November 22 editorial mentioning that the Gazette had been reporting on similar issues since 2000. In the editorial, the Gazette said:
And the November 27 Wasington Post has letters from unhappy taxpayers.
But the Gazette and letter writers don't go far enough. What we need is a strictly enforced procedure that results in promptly posting on the county web site detailed information about all expenditures by county elected officials using taxpayer's money.
Several of our elected officials have shown very clearly that they cannot be trusted to use county-issued credit cards either honestly or wisely.
And the rest--those who were not caught this time--have shown just as clearly that they cannot be trusted to police their colleagues.
As the Gazette said:
It is time to start demanding that our scoff-law lawmakers obey the law.
The Gazette followed up with a November 22 editorial mentioning that the Gazette had been reporting on similar issues since 2000. In the editorial, the Gazette said:
If Prince George's is to ever overcome its reputation for ethical ''lapses," policies and processes regarding officials' expenditures must be overhauled immediately.
Those who fail to repay the county government for personal expenses in the time allotted should have their credit cards revoked. Abuse of these benefits should be announced to the public – residents should know if representatives are not willing to abide by county laws.
Repayment for personal expenses must be made by check so there is a paper trail – the county should be ashamed of making photocopies of cash as proof of payment – and documentation must be stored long-term.
And the November 27 Wasington Post has letters from unhappy taxpayers.
But the Gazette and letter writers don't go far enough. What we need is a strictly enforced procedure that results in promptly posting on the county web site detailed information about all expenditures by county elected officials using taxpayer's money.
Several of our elected officials have shown very clearly that they cannot be trusted to use county-issued credit cards either honestly or wisely.
And the rest--those who were not caught this time--have shown just as clearly that they cannot be trusted to police their colleagues.
As the Gazette said:
If Prince George's is to ever overcome its reputation for ethical ''lapses," policies and processes regarding officials' expenditures must be overhauled immediately.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
What's Yours Is Mine; Especially if you live in Prince George's County -- and I am elected to serve you.
Post, Editorial, 25 Nov 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
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