The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) says it is establishing a six-person unit to focus on "fraud, waste and corruption" at the New York City's Board of Elections.
The DOI, is one of the oldest law-enforcement agencies in the country, formed in the 1870s following a scandal in which the corrupt William “Boss” Tweed and his unscrupulous cronies skimmed millions from the City coffers. The agency investigates and refers for prosecution City employees and contractors engaged in corrupt or fraudulent activities or unethical conduct. Investigations may involve any agency, officer, elected official or employee of the City, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the City. Because the Board of Elections is staffed by city employees, the DOI has jurisdiction over the agency.
It announced today that it received $824,000 to start up the investigative unit and has begun filling positions.
DOI Commissioner, Rose Gill Hearn, said in the announcement that the decision to create the unit followed the agency's review of the November 2011 election. That investigation was labor-intensive and pointed out the need for more consistent oversight of the BOE. "The newly created unit will provide the capacity to investigate possible waste, fraud and corruption in an expanded way that was not possible before," she said in a statement.
Alex Camarda, the director of public policy at Citizens Union, a good government group, commended the DOI for establishing the unit. “While there are hard working staff at the Board, we also know that many jobs are awarded based on patronage rather than merit," he said. "A top-to-bottom review needs to be done to ensure the city only spends money on employees and positions that are necessary to carrying out an effectively run election. The DOI should start by getting a listing of every position within the Board and the responsibilities for each."
In its review of the November 2011 election, the DOI found that the city could have saved $2.4 million if the BOE had effectively managed the process, including by consolidating election districts.
Hearn said the DOI was "not casting aspersions on anyone and NYC BOE plays a very important role, and many people do their jobs at the BOE well and honestly".
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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