(a) The council may make investigations into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office, commission or agency and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. In addition to any other remedy, any person who willfully fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the council shall be adjudged a disorderly person, punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00, or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both.
(b) Council may remove any officer or employee, other than the mayor or a councilman, for cause, upon notice and an opportunity to be heard.
(boldface mine)
It is important that the Council follow through on this investigation. Although the dollars are small in the overall city expenditures it is significant in that it may indicate a pattern that has cost the taxpayers millions over the past six years during periods in which no attempt was made to have responsible financial controls.
If there are improprieties found then a independent fiscal audit either by the city or thorough the AG's office of Plainfield's finances over the past six years should be mandatory.
If any particular individual or group are found to have willfully violated established financial practices , then the Council must proceed according to part (b) 2.8.
gross spelling errors and typos corrected 9:30A 9/21
gross spelling errors and typos corrected 9:30A 9/21
This issue goes beyond the money misappropriated by Shady Sharonda, and goes to the core of our trust in our city government. I don't think many people trust our mayor to do the right thing and now we must rely on the City Council to keep us on the right track and have some moral fortitude. I commend them and hope we have resolution to this issue. Perhaps removing the mayor would help. I'm willing to give it a try, how about you?
ReplyDelete