Next Controller

 

Sadly, the city must fill the Controllers position due to the recent passing of long-term Controller, Mr. Glazier. The city controller is one of the most important positions and is essentially the chief financial officer and independent fiscal watchdog. The job is to make sure the city’s finances are honest, accurate, lawful, and transparent — even when that means telling the mayor or council “no.”.

Here are a couple important duties that should be noted:

Pension

Pension Management: Often serving as a voting member on the city's pension boards and overseeing retirement system investments. Why is this important? 

I mean the Police want a DROP pension to line their pockets with cash before they officially retire.

Budget Review: Analyzing the mayor's proposed budget prior to city council approval and providing non-binding and independent recommendations. Why is this important? Well, it's sort of funny; the mayor routinely asks for position upgrades, raises, and more employees throughout the year that were not included or forecasted in the original budget approved the year prior. No one in council ever stops him and says this should be discussed during the budget review. An effective and independent controller that is not in the mayor's pocket could recommend that these positions move to the next budget cycle since they were not included in the current approved budget.

Internal Audits/Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Protection: The Controller performs internal audits, investigates discrepancies, and ensures public funds are used efficiently and legally. The Controller is one of the few positions that are empowered to flag misuse of funds before it becomes a scandal.

PROCESS FOR A NEXT CONTROLLER

Section 405 Vacancy 

A. If the office of the City Controller becomes vacant for any reason, Council shall appoint an interim City Controller, of the same political party, who shall serve until the next Municipal Election.

B. A vacancy in the office of the City Controller shall be filled at the next Municipal Election, in the manner provided by law. The person elected shall hold the qualifications for the office of the City Controller and shall serve the remaining portion of the vacated term.

This position is currently very important to the mayor. Some council members had requested an audit of the mayors travel expenses. I think he is budgeted for around $25,000. Im sure he is over that already. The next controller will know the truth. 

Then let's not forget that Frank Kane stated he would have the mayor's travel expenses once he double checked his numbers. That was four weeks ago. Frank is probably thinking he squeaked out of this one. Wrong. The 3500 views and many comments about the travel during this past week indicate that people want answers. If you have nothing to hide — make it public. I think Matt Tuerk used those same words during the Scott Curtis investigation before he did everything possible to not cooperate. Not just the 5 people you think comment on here. Basically, he didn't have any numbers to check and was stalling. Classic bullshitter. 

I am curious to see who responds to the vacancy announcement.

Personally, I support Ed Zucal for his no nonsense and honest approach. I do feel that he would definitely receive votes from the council, but who knows if he would want the job. He would certainly hold the administration accountable. Im calling you out Ed, throw your name in the game.

Tuerk will obviously want someone he can control like his entire cabinet members. I'm thinking that Ana Tabasco/Tornado/Toblerone lady or whatever her name is or Julian Guridy. We do know that Matt has his favorites, so any number of names could be called to serve him. 

Other choices, Daryl Hendricks. I'll stop right there. If that happens, this blog will end, cause the city will end as well. (hint-hint, Matt)

Oh wait, light bulb. Let's get Scott Curtis to be the controller. Can you imagine what that spy would come up with? "I found a nickel that hasn't been accounted for." 

My final choice is no other than Matt Tuerk himself. I could see him taking on a hybrid role of both mayor and controller. He is so arrogant, I could see him trying. Sort of like some small-town shit, where one is the mayor, Chief of police and the judge. Obviously, I am joking but I am sure Tuerk has researched the possibility.

It will be interesting to see who wants to play banker with this mess of a city budget. I recommend whoever gets the position to have the entire budget audited immediately and DO NOT forget about the travel audit. Actually, Jackie Moore is being appointed to Interim Controller — she can get started once she is approved with the audit of travel expenditures.