The audit of the county's Tuition Assistance Program left us with one question. Bad policy played a role in this scandal, but beyond that, was the abuse the result of criminal intent or management incompetence? The district attorney's office and, ultimately, the courts may have to decide.
Since that audit became public a couple of weeks ago, whistle-blowers have gone to Corroon with new allegations about time card fraud in the county personnel division, the same office that administers the Tuition Assistance Program. Mayor Corroon, to his credit, has vowed to run down every lead in search of the truth, and to expand the probes government-wide into other areas, including credit cards, travel reimbursement and cash handling. He has enlisted Auditor Sean Thomas and District Attorney David Yocom to help him.
That's only right, and the public should expect a thorough investigation of all credible charges. From all indications, that is what Corroon is trying to provide.
The Tuition Assistance Program paid county employees 75 percent of tuition for college courses related to their jobs. But it was so sloppily managed that some employees were able to treat it as an interest-free loan program, despite not completing courses. Among the recipients was the coordinator of the program, though she eventually repaid the county.
If the investigation extends into Clerk Sherrie Swensen's office, District Attorney Yocom should disqualify himself, because his son, Jason, is Swensen's deputy. Yocom did an admirable job of removing the taint of politics from the prosecution of former Mayor Nancy Workman by having a panel of county attorneys from other counties screen the charges. Thereafter, he appointed a special prosecutor. Perhaps something similar may have to occur in this situation.
For his part, Corroon has said his office will appoint an outside investigator. We believe that the allegations arising from the audit and the subsequent whistle-blowers can be investigated professionally and without turning into a witch hunt. County residents are entitled to nothing less.
