City Clerk

    Yesterday I joined council at-large candidate Jim Gordon in calling for an audit of the city clerk's office before a final disbursement check is issued to Bill McInerney. I don't necessarily believe Mr. McInerney has done anything wrong in the clerk's office, but his sudden unexplained resignation for what I believe relates to the ongoing voter fraud investigation, prompts my concern.
    I believe this council must begin the process of  restoring the public trust, and this is a step in that direction. Mr. McInerney should welcome an audit as it would enable him to move on with a clear conscience at least as far as the operation of the clerk's office.
    The elephant sitting in the middle of the room is the voter fraud scandal which has left a dark cloud hanging over the council for the last year and a half. This is a self inflicted wound for Democrats. They apparently broke the law and are finally being held accountable.
     Since one councilman is under indictment and at least two others are being investigated I feel very strongly this council should not nominate any replacement for the clerk or any other position. There is an election in three months-let the new council make appointments.
      I want to focus on the future and keep my campaign positive, but I can not ignore altogether this issue which has haunted the council and embarrassed our city.
      Those involved should have resigned while admitting no wrong doing more than a year ago. Staying on the council mearly creates an unnecesssary distraction. The honorable thing to have done for the good of the council and the city would have been to step down. Those who did not are demonstrating their selfishness and arrogance. I hope the voters are watching. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard. The cry "I've never been convicted" is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.