The Aftermath of Andrew Do’s Conviction: Calls for Transparency and Accountability in Orange County
In a significant turn of events following former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do’s conviction on bribery charges, discussions around transparency and accountability have gained momentum within the county’s Board of Supervisors. The conviction, which saw Do admitting to steering over $10 million in federal pandemic relief funds for personal gain, has led to growing calls for an independent audit of contracts associated with his tenure.
The Call for Independent Investigators
The push for a thorough investigation emerged prominently during the recent board meeting, where Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento advocated for the hiring of external auditors to scrutinize contracts that were “directed or influenced” by Do. Drawing parallels with Anaheim’s decision to contract an outside firm to examine operations amidst its own corruption scandal, Sarmiento echoed the need for a clear and unbiased review, highlighting the imperative to restore public trust.
“Demonstrating that these investigations are objective is crucial,” he stated, emphasizing that the funds involved were public dollars which had been misappropriated.
Legislative Support for the Audit
Further emphasis on the need for an external audit came from Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, who expressed his support in a letter to the board. Valencia, with a history of advocating for corruption probes during his time on the Anaheim City Council, underscored the importance of concrete actions to deter corrupt practices within public offices. “These corrupt actions will not be tolerated,” he asserted, highlighting the gravity of the situation following multiple federal investigations into elected officials.
A Broader Scope of Review Suggested
While Sarmiento gathered support for his initiative, Supervisor Katrina Foley suggested expanding the scope of the inquiry. She voiced concerns that isolating investigations to Do’s contracts might miss broader systemic issues, as she noted a trend of unanimous contract approvals by the board over the last 2.5 years. Foley’s proposal to expand the audit to all contracts echoes a growing sentiment that merely focusing on past misconduct is insufficient; a more comprehensive review may better protect against future abuses.
County Audits Already Underway
In addition to Sarmiento’s proposal, the board had previously mandated the county’s internal auditor to perform a risk assessment of American Rescue Plan Act-funded contracts, an initiative set for completion within 90 days. However, internal auditors pointed out the impracticality of evaluating over 2,000 contracts within that timeframe. “A sample audit might be possible, but to do something comprehensive, we would likely need to hire external help,” said Aggie Alonso, director of the county’s internal audit.
This acknowledgment raises questions about the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of ongoing county-led efforts, leading to calls for a more robust approach.
Legal Considerations Amidst the Scandal
The board’s discussions also touched on a lawsuit filed against Viet America Society, a nonprofit associated with Do’s daughter, which is alleged to have “brazenly plundered” pandemic relief funds. This initiative has created apprehensions about the potential impact that external investigations could have on ongoing litigation. Foley expressed her desire to ensure that independent audits would not interfere with the case’s proceedings, revealing the delicate balance between accountability and legal strategy.
Diverse Opinions Among Supervisors
While there is a growing chorus of support for independent reviews, not all supervisors are on board with the recommendation. Board Chairman Don Wagner expressed skepticism regarding the potential outcomes of hiring outside auditors. “We can audit until the cows come home, but we will not root out willful misconduct,” he critiqued, suggesting that such initiatives may merely serve as superficial efforts rather than driving substantive change.
Implementing Enhanced Ethical Standards
In a bid to bolster ethical contracting practices within the county, Supervisor Doug Chaffee has proposed a revision to contracting policies that would require the county’s office of campaign finance and ethics to publish quarterly reports on disclosures made by supervisors, contractors, and third parties. The proposed measure includes potential penalties for supervisors found in violation of ethical standards, including censure or criminal referrals.
Foley supported the intent of Chaffee’s proposal but raised concerns regarding the lack of debarment laws to prevent contractors who violate regulations from participating in future contracts.
Moving Forward with Clarity
As discussions continue, Michelle Aguirre, the interim CEO, has suggested a systematic approach to manage the overlapping layers of oversight being proposed. By identifying contracts currently under scrutiny and highlighting those that may require additional review, Aguirre’s recommendations strive to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
With all these unresolved questions and a need for clarity, the board has decided to revisit these proposals in their meeting scheduled for December 3rd. As Orange County navigates this critical juncture, the focus remains on implementing effective measures that could prevent lapses in accountability and safeguard public trust in governance.
