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What a shame Ohio public officials continue to prove to state residents it is necessary to keep a close eye on them. Most recently, we learned the Office of the Ohio Inspector General has a long list of findings in reaching its conclusion that the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has failed to comply with procurement process requirements.
It is a good thing an anonymous tipster let the OIG know what was happening. That led to an investigation into whether "the processes OTIC used for the soliciting, awarding, and payment for Construction Administration and Inspection, and Material Testing and Quality Control services complied with OTIC procurement policies and Ohio Revised Code requirements," according to the Inspector General's office.
They did not, according to a report on the investigation.
A sampling of the investigation's findings shows the OTIC "Failed to publicly announce opportunities for 'professional design services' costing more than $50,000," "Failed to evaluate at least three firms to identify the firm best suited for the project," "Failed to provide the Commission members with the costs associated with the assignment identified in the draft resolution, which was subsequently adopted by the Commission," and "Failed to consistently approve rates and issue payments in accordance with OTIC policies, procedures, and contractual terms."
In fact, the investigation led to 11 recommendations regarding the agency's internal control systems and "is being referred to the Ohio Auditor of State's Office and the Ohio Ethics Commission for further consideration," according to the OIG.
King Bureaucracy truly believes it exists to serve itself, and that the rules do not apply to it. Public agencies demonstrate that regularly, despite knowing there are measures in place to catch them. This is just one instance, but it must serve as yet another reminder that anytime lawmakers or policymakers propose a reduction in transparency and public access to the government's work -- anytime there is a proposal that would amount to the fox watching the hen house -- there must be two responses:
What are they trying to hide? And, no.