Time for Examiner columnist to name names
Re: “Election fraud in D.C.?” May 30
Examiner columnist Jonetta Rose Barras stated: “Truth be told, the organized effort to deceive the public began even before money orders were passed to [Vincent] Gray’s erstwhile friend. It involved unethical councilmembers who also were Gray’s allies …”
Subsequently, Barras noted the downfall of former Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., and how Thomas, perhaps in concert with Gray, went after former Mayor Adrian Fenty during a prolonged investigation against the Fenty administration, which ultimately led to Fenty being cleared of any malfeasance.
Unfortunately, Barras did not divulge the names of any other councilmembers or state categorically what, if any, part they played in the election scandal. So far, she has only provided conjecture and/or hyperbole, not facts to substantiate her claim that other councilmembers were involved.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Romney’s quest for GOP nomination not over yet
Re: “Romney clinches Republican presidential nomination,” May 29
I find it disappointing that The Examiner has joined the ranks of other major news sources to inaccurately report on the delegate selection process in securing the Republican nomination.
In Susan Ferrechio’s article, she affirms that “Romney swept the Texas primary Tuesday night to secure the last of the 1,144 convention delegates needed to guarantee him the nomination.”This is an irrefutable falsehood, as Mitt Romney has secured little over half of that magic number in actual bound delegates.
The incorrect tally that is frequently used comes from the Associated Press, which only provides an approximation of delegate distribution based solely on the results from each state’s straw poll.In reality, most of the delegates are chosen at the various congressional district caucuses and state conventions.
Even though there are only six state primaries remaining, no more than 25 states have finalized their delegate totals. Media outlets can maintain their integrity if they resist the temptation to crown winners and losers so quickly that they neglect the truth.
Bryan Watts
Alexandria
Community Services Board should be thoroughly audited
Re: “Fairfax officials dismayed by social service cuts,” May 22
I recently learned of the debate over auditing the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and am writing to express my concerns over the lack of financial accountability of government agencies such as the CSB. I support Supervisor Pat Herrity’s efforts to restore fiscal accountability.
The CSB is an important county organization that provides services to Fairfax County’s most vulnerable people, those with mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, due to lack of financial accountability, the CSB — like other government organizations — is in grave financial difficulty.
There is already an $8 million budget gap, which is expected to increase to nearly $9.5 million during this coming fiscal year. These people cannot afford service cuts or delays in this difficult financial climate, but cuts will continue to happen if there is no financial accountability.
Supervisor Herrity has wisely suggested that an audit be conducted by the auditor of the board. However, some supervisors — such as John Foust, chairman of the county Board’s Audit Committee — are unwilling to take the necessary steps to fix this problem. Supervisor Foust dismissed Supervisor Herrity’s suggestion, responding that the Internal Audit Office had already conducted an audit, even though it only focused on the board’s insurance billing procedures.
Million-dollar budget gaps are unacceptable. We need better financial accountability from government agencies.
Olivia Grady
McLean
