OPEGA Airs Review of MSHA
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 12:07pm (new)
Posted by Spider
WGAN, a media entity, offers an opinion. Just what is the value of such an opinion? How about mislead the voting public?
1. The Opega review was limited, NOT all inclusive.
From page 1 of the report:
“OPEGA was tasked with reviewing Maine Housing’s expenditures for sponsorships, donations, and memberships as well as any travel and meal expenses, or other expenses where the nature of the vendor and the amount of the expense may raise questions as to reasonableness or necessity in relation to MaineHousing’s mission and programs. This was not intended to be a comprehensive review of all Maine Housing expenditures, but rather a focused review of the specific expense areas identified as concerning by the GOC.”
2. Opega was looking for ‘reasonableness or necessity’. They were not tasked to search for fraud. If they were not looking for it and therefore did not find it - that is newsworthy? Nice spin WGAN.
3. See page 4 of the report:
“Gift cards for employee bonuses. From 2008 to 2011, Maine Housing distributed $57,250 in Hannaford gift cards to employees as bonuses, recognition gifts or give - always at employee events. Each employee received $200 in gift cards in 2009 in lieu of raises and another $100 per employee was distributed in both 2008 and 2010 to show employee appreciation. OPEGA is not aware of any similar bonuses paid to State agency employees despite there being no salary increases and required furlough days over the last five years. Consequently, although the bonuses may be well deserved, the necessity of these expenses may be questioned.