County Executive Rick Pollitt came in to WICO unexpected this morning and went on the Bill Reddish Show going off about recent articles written in the Daily Times accusing them of not getting their story accurate. Apparently there was a follow up Editorial yesterday that really set Rick off.
The County is stating they are not trying to cover up anything and Bill Reddish simply asked, Rick, why don't you put it in writing? Hopefully the County Executive's Office puts out a Press Release on this entire matter, giving them the opportunity to use ALL resources available to give the "other side" keeping the Citizens of Wicomico County better educated and informed.
Nevertheless, the story sounds very familiar lately, doesn't it? The Daily Times has been challenged by some pretty important people lately on not getting their stories accurate and the agenda actually seems to be theirs and not the people they're interviewing. Hopefully we'll have more to come on this matter later today. Did YOU hear the interview on WICO?
A Commenter Said.....
"Here's guts of the "Slime" editorial -- I can see why Mr. Pollitt is very __issed off at Bassett:
"Appearing before the County Council on Tuesday, however, the new auditor reported that already she has run into problems. It seems some department heads have denied her access to financial data needed to perform her job -- payroll, human resources and business tax information have been withheld no the grounds that, according to departments heads, could "compromise" the integrity of that data.
Immediately, red flags are raised.
How can an auditor possibly determine whether the books are in order or whether any changes should be made if she is not given financial information -- all of it?
More importantly, county residents and taxpayers now have good reason to be suspicious of county government and its operations. It is possible there is nothing to hide, that everything is being done correctly and that procedures are in place to prevent fraud and waste, and are being strictly enforced. But we have no way of knowing unless the audit is completed and presented to the council and county executive.
This may be a knee-jerk reaction on the part of department heads who are unaccustomed to sharing sensitive information.
County Executive Rick Pollitt said he is is planning a meeting this week to clear up these problems. We hope this issue can be resolved without further incident.
Continuing to deny the auditor's requests, however, will only stoke the fires of suspicion and will benefit no one --unless there is something to hide. If that is the case, a serious investigation is called for immediately. Otherwise, full cooperation with the auditor is necessary."
According to the Reddish interview, the Daily Times didn't even ask Pollitt to comment before lambasting him."
6 comments:
Did not hear it but wish I had.The DT has clearly been trying to embarrass Rick in it's editorials recently.
On the other hand Rick's office has been less than effective in explaining the isssues regarding the auditors request.
One thing I will say about Rick, he is an honest man.There is no way in my mind that he he trying to obstruct the audit.
Maybe the Bassett hound will ask Mr. Reddish for a chance to defend his mud-slinging at everyone except Barrie Tilghman, Bubba Comegys and the other puppets on the City Council.
Kudos to Rick both for taking Bassett to task and for not riticizing Joe Holloway for raising the matter at the last County Council meeting, which was entirely appropriate.
Here's guts of the "Slime" editorial -- I can see why Mr. Pollitt is very __issed off at Bassett:
"Appearing before the County Council on Tuesday, however, the new auditor reported that already she has run into problems. It seems some department heads have denied her access to financial data needed to perform her job -- payroll, human resources and business tax information have been withheld no the grounds that, according to departments heads, could "compromise" the integrity of that data.
Immediately, red flags are raised.
How can an auditor possibly determine whether the books are in order or whether any changes should be made if she is not given financial information -- all of it?
More importantly, county residents and taxpayers now have good reason to be suspicious of county government and its operations. It is possible there is nothing to hide, that everything is being done correctly and that procedures are in place to prevent fraud and waste, and are being strictly enforced. But we have no way of knowing unless the audit is completed and presented to the council and county executive.
This may be a knee-jerk reaction on the part of department heads who are unaccustomed to sharing sensitive information.
County Executive Rick Pollitt said he is is planning a meeting this week to clear up these problems. We hope this issue can be resolved without further incident.
Continuing to deny the auditor's requests, however, will only stoke the fires of suspicion and will benefit no one --unless there is something to hide. If that is the case, a serious investigation is called for immediately. Otherwise, full cooperation with the auditor is necessary."
According to the Reddish interview, the Daily Times didn't even ask Pollitt to comment before lambasting him.
Rick Pollitt is one of a very few elected officials that can be believed. He is a man of character. The Daily Times should have done their homework before writing an opinion such as they did. Shame of them!!
Rick Pollitt needs to direct all department heads to comply with the auditor. If they have nothing to hide, there is no reason for any of this. If they don't comply give them the ole pink slip.
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