Improving the accountability & transparency of city government
In the June 29, 2017, issue of the Eugene Weekly, Eugene resident Lisa-Marie DiVincent letter:
As someone who has long seen the need for an elected city auditor, I was disappointed by Mayor Lucy Vinis’ June 22 column. She mentions the trend towards electing auditors as a way of ensuring their independence, but fails to inform readers of the recently filed citizen-led initiative to create an elected independent auditor in Eugene. …
In the June 29, 2017, issue of the Eugene Weekly, Eugene resident C. L. Veal letter:
The timing of the mayor’s interest in a dormant 2002 report regarding an auditor seems suspicious. Comparable cities have found the position meritorious and compellingly cost effective, but the rationale for a mayor’s listening tour, i.e. “the community demands that we do better,” is underwhelming. …
In the June 22, 2017, issue of the Eugene Weekly, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis writes in a guest viewpoint:
Accountability and transparency are essential to democracy. As Eugene’s mayor, I invite you to explore with me the potential benefits of a performance auditor to improve the effectiveness of city government and build the community’s trust in our public process. …
In the June 22, 2017, issue of the Eugene Weekly, staff write:
An initiative petition has been submitted to the city of Eugene that would amend the City Charter to establish an office of an independent elected city auditor. Volunteers are needed to gather signatures to place the measure on the May 2018 ballot. The petitioners say, “This is an opportunity for area residents to help reform our city government.” A training for volunteer signature gatherers is scheduled for 5 pm, June 28, at the AFSCME offices at 688 Charnelton in downtown Eugene. This all-volunteer effort is open to all those interested in helping in whatever way they can. For more information or to contact the chief petitioners go to CityAccountability.org or call 541-520-9572.
On June 21, 2017, Lane County posted a job opportunity:
The Lane County Board of Commissioners is recruiting for a Performance Auditor that will be located in Eugene, Oregon. The County Performance Auditor is one of three Lane County employees who report directly to the Board of County Commissioners. The County Performance Auditor is the Chief Performance Auditor and is responsible for the operation of the performance audit function. The Performance Auditor will plan and perform senior professional level risk-based internal audit work including: financial, compliance, performance, investigative and operational audits of considerable breadth and difficulty. Will provide internal consulting and advisory services, including assistance and guidance to County management and staff regarding audits and regulatory interpretations, policies and procedures. Will assess and audit County business processes to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, internal controls, compliance with various federal, state and local laws, and County policies and procedures. …
In the June 3, 2017, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Paul Nicholson writes in a letter:
I’m responding to letters suggesting that spending 0.1 percent of Eugene’s city budget on an elected performance auditor would be “a waste of money.” On the contrary, not having an auditor has wasted a lot of money. …
In the May 25, 2017, issue of the Eugene Weekly, reporter Ted Taylor writes:
Eugene residents who are seeking a ballot initiative to create an independent performance auditor for the city filed a petition with the Circuit Court May 17. They say the city’s proposed ballot language is “biased” and “fails to sufficiently, concisely or fairly describe the initiative.” …
In the May 21, 2017, issue of the Register-Guard, in response to a story about an initiative proposal to create an auditor position to scrutinize the city of Eugene’s spending and programs, Joey Mats writes in an online comment:
Isn’t this what the City Council is for?
In the May 16, 2017, issue of the Register-Guard, reporter Christian Hill writes:
The idea of creating a taxpayer-funded independent auditor’s office to monitor Eugene city government is making waves before it has even made it to the ballot. …
The May 16, 2017, issue of the Register-Guard provides this summary:
Salary: At least $163,544 a year, plus benefits
Term: Four years, elected by citizenry
Budget: About $623,000