http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070610/OPINION01/706100375/1014/OPINION Article published Jun 10, 2007 Citizens' airport review brushed aside Hopes for a forensic audit of Lafayette Regional Airport were dashed last week. City-Parish President Joey Durel and City-Parish Council Chairman Rob Stevenson asked the legislative auditor's office to conduct the audit. Representatives of the auditor's office rejected the request, telling Durel that if local officials want a detailed review of spending by airport commissioners and employees, they will have to hire an independent auditor at considerable public expense. Durel has indicated he will not pursue the matter further. Assistant Legislative Auditor Joy Irwin cited "pages and pages of recommendations" as evidence that her office didn't "let the Lafayette airport authority off the hook." Her claim is weakened substantially by the advice to Durel on what consolidated government will have to do if it wants a "detailed review of spending." She seems to be acknowledging that her office didn't do a detailed review. One of the casualties of the failure to fully investigate questionable expenditures for meals and travel could be the willingness of private citizens to become involved in quests for improved governmental ethics and accountability. Concerned citizens worked diligently to review the records of the commission. They found questionable expenses such as costs of airfare, meals and registration for spouses at conferences. They forwarded more than 700 pages of documents to the legislative auditor, attorney general and the district attorney. The response to their hard work has been meager and profoundly disappointing. The legislative auditor, instead of conducting a forensic audit using its fraud division, did an "advisory audit" that resulted in friendly suggestions that the commission discontinue post-meeting meals at taxpayer expense and adopt policies and procedures for travel. District Attorney Mike Harson says some funds spent by commissioners will have to be repaid. Absence of a comprehensive audit leaves unanswered questions about his findings. Since the investigation by private citizens and The Daily Advertiser, something akin to political chaos has surrounded the commission and the airport director. There have been calls for resignation of commission members and demands that Aviation Director Greg Roberts step down. We believe the turmoil creates an even greater need for a full audit. The bottom line is that the information submitted to the legislative auditor and other officials justified more than a cursory scan and some gentle recommendations. The possible expenditure of public money with no apparent benefit to the people is a serious matter. The hard work of the citizens involved showed commendable concern for government transparency and accountability. Louisiana needs such citizen action. Now that it is apparent their hard work and the information it produced are being casually brushed aside, it should come as no surprise if they lose any further motivation to become involved in such worthwhile activity. Even worse, the lack of action could discourage other citizens from engaging in similar efforts to promote good government. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mail&p=graduation+gifts&cs=bz <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If you wish to unsubscribe from the AIRLINE List, please send an E-mail to: "listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx". Within the body of the text, only write the following:"SIGNOFF AIRLINE".