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What a shame public officials continue to prove to Buckeye State residents it is necessary to keep a close watch on them. 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.
A sampling of the investigation's findings shows the OTIC "Failed to publicly announce opportunities for professional design services," "Failed to evaluate at least three firms to identify the firm best suited for the project," "Failed to provide Commission members with the costs associated with the assignment identified in the draft resolution," and "Failed to consistently approve rates and issue payments in accordance with policies."
In fact, the investigation led to 11 recommendations regarding the agency's internal control systems.
King Bureaucracy truly believes it exists to serve itself, and that the rules do not apply. This is just one instance, but it must serve as yet another reminder that the public must be vigilant -- and that officials have a duty to uphold.