Here is a press release from State Controller John Chiang. His office audited the City of Hercules and found poor record keeping and accounting practices that called into question how the City spent State and Federal grant funds.
After learning that Fullerton has similar issues, I cant help but wonder how long it will take for State and Federal officials to take notice and followup with action.
Here are two quotes from Chiang that can be as easily applied to Fullerton as they were to Hercules:
"During my time in office, this could be the worst set of city accounting records I have seen," said Controller Chiang. "The City’s books were so poorly managed, that I must question their use of every single federal and state dollar granted to the City."
"The manner in which city officials approached their fiduciary responsibilities falls below every reasonable standard of care and begins to explain why Hercules is under water," said Chiang. "The longer the City goes without accounting for its taxpayer dollars, the greater the risk that federal and state authorities will withhold money from the City, further increasing Hercules' difficulties."
More reasons to recall Don Bankhead, Dick Jones, and Pat McKinley!
