NAACP /Urban League Challenges Office of Inspector General

When the position for an inspector general for the City of New Orleans became available, there were mixed emotions all throughout the community about what role they would play in government. This was especially important in the light of the constant battle between the mayor’s office and the city council. There seem to be a tug a war over the legislative power of these two agencies of government, in spite of charter rules.

The perception from many in attendance to a meeting held by the NAACP to address the concerns over abuses power, has lead the leadership to voice opinions that there has been a breach of trust, and that the Office of Inspector General is used by the city council to trump the powers of the mayor and force legislative change.

New Orleans NAACP President Danatus King urged the probe in a letter sent to Council President Arnie Fielkow. A second, similar letter was sent to top federal prosecutor Jim Letten. The letters seeks an official investigation, noting particular concern in the area of purchases made for the office's computer systems.

According to Mr. King, there remained many other challenges brought on by this office with the perceived intent and purpose, when NAACP and community leaders legal departments took a close look at the document of power handed to this office. While on the surface, it is agreeable to help rid corruption, however, beneath the crust of its intent, it seems to give a non-accountability clause, to the Office of Inspector General.

While the inspector general should have strong leadership abilities with emphasis in both conducting and managing complex investigations involving allegations of fraud, theft, deception, and conspiracy, as well as experience in accounting, auditing, business, or public administration; his ability to demonstrated a working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the judiciary; it shouldn’t empower them to run the city as an elected official. According to the leadership of the NAACP, the Office of Inspector General would have greater power than the mayor, with no over site, and that’s a dangerous thing, and a threat to our citizen’s power.