Improving the accountability & transparency of city government
In the April 24, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Margie James in a letter:
I find it interesting that Citizens for Sensible Auditing, the group supporting the Eugene City Council’s auditor measure, doesn’t even pretend to be making a case for the city’s proposal. The group seems to be focusing all its efforts on defeating Measure 20-283, the citizens’ initiative, though limiting that to a few yard signs that say “No Overpriced City Auditor.” …
In the April 23, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Richard Young writes in a letter:
Let’s sort this out. First, the claim that Eugene Measure 20-283 is people power. So was the election of President Trump. Sometimes people don’t know who they are giving power to. …
In the April 23, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Wendy J. Cook writes in a letter:
On whether we should elect or appoint a Eugene city auditor, I ask myself: Can either type eliminate enough government waste to handily exceed their six-figure salary plus benefits (including pension) without sacrificing valuable services? Can either type accomplish this feat year after year — not just the first few years when there’s low-hanging fruit to be found and voters are keeping a closer eye on the outcomes?
If they can no longer sustain sufficient value-added input, will either type judiciously recommend that their own position be reduced or eliminated to save on unnecessary cost? Because I believe the answer is “no,” that’s how I intend to vote on both city auditor measures.
The Eugene Weekly publicized an event on April 21, 2018:
Neighborhood canvassing and lit drop for Ballot Measure 20-283 for an Elected Auditor: April 21, 10 am–noon Meeting at Theo’s Coffee House, 199 W 8th, Eugene. We’re gathering as many supporters as we can to walk some Eugene neighborhoods, distributing brochures and talking to neighbors about Ballot Measure 20-283 for an independent Elected Auditor for Eugene.
In the April 19, 2018, issue of the Eugene Weekly, Eugene resident Ed Maye writes in a letter:
Someone pointed out to me that they hadn’t seen anything from the supporters of the City Council’s so-called “auditor lite” initiative. I couldn’t help but agree. …
In the April 19, 2018, issue of the Eugene Weekly, staff write:
The Friday the 13th auditor forum at the City Club of Eugene was not as civil as most City Club meetings. Bonnie Bettman McCornack spoke for the elected, independent auditor, and Josh Skov advocated for the City Council-appointed auditor before a full house. By the end of the forum, we harked back to an earlier City Club statement by Councilor Mike Clark. He said the council appointed measure, 20-287, is a “cynical measure” to kill the elected auditor, measure 20-283. We’ll see if it succeeds on May 15.
On April 18, 2018, at Harris Hall, Elected Auditor 4 City Accountability hosted a town hall with Gary Blackmer, former Portland city auditor.
Watch a YouTube video of the event uploaded by independent videographer Todd Boyle…
In the April 18, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Bob Cassidy writes in a letter:
The president of the League of Woman Voters claims in an April 14 letter that the city of Eugene already has an auditor. And that’s true, but that’s a financial auditor. And it’s required of a city to have one. The numbers balance, and money is spent legally. …
In the April 17, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Laura Stasack writes in a letter:
There’s an old quote about two types of people: Those who do the work, and those happy to let them. Anyone who’s ever done a group project knows the dynamic. …
In the April 15, 2018, issue of the Register-Guard, Eugene resident Judith Schoap writes in a letter:
There is a scary rumor going around that under Ballot Measure 20-283 (for an elected Eugene city auditor) the auditor’s office will have the power to reach out and audit anybody’s business. In reality, the auditor is guaranteed the ability to audit only contracts and agreements for goods or services “purchased in whole or in part with public funds.” If you accept public money, that exchange can be audited. Contracts with the city will include a “right to audit” clause. Why would that be frightening?