Complaint’s bad optics
To the editor:
As a Waycross City Commissioner, I am deeply troubled by the appearance of illegal and questionable actions within our commission, particularly regarding the ethical and lawful use of taxpayer dollars. It is crucial that we strictly adhere to state and local regulations governing the use of public funds, especially in matters involving municipal credit cards and participation in events with political or partisan implications.
What is even more disturbing is the chilling effect such actions can have on our citizens. When individuals fear that raising legitimate concerns about the potential misappropriation of public funds by public officials could result in them becoming the target of investigations, it undermines the very foundation of accountability and trust in local government. This is not only unacceptable, but a direct threat to the principles of transparency and fairness.
It is the commission’s solemn responsibility — not the citizens’ — to investigate allegations of misconduct. Citizens must feel secure in voicing concerns without fear of retaliation or undue scrutiny. This disturbing dynamic erodes public trust and raises serious questions about the integrity of our processes. To address these concerns and uphold transparency, I want to outline our duties and ethical responsibilities in these critical areas: 1. Compliance with State and Local Laws Regarding Credit Card Use.
Officials must strictly adhere to financial and ethical standards when using public funds, including municipal credit cards. Relevant Georgia laws include: • O.C.G.A. § 45-10-1: Prohibits misuse of public funds or property for personal or unauthorized purposes.
• O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2: Addresses theft by conversion, which includes inappropriate use of public funds for non-official purposes.
Municipal credit cards must only be used for official city business, such as travel for approved training, procurement of city supplies, or other clearly authorized activities. All transactions must be properly documented with itemized receipts and official justifications.
2. Attending Partisan Events with Public Funds.
State laws and guidelines prohibit using taxpayer funds to attend partisan political events.
• Georgia Ethics in Government Act (O.C.G.A. § 21-5-30): Prohibits public officials from using public resources for partisan political purposes.
For example, attendance at events such as political rallies, party fundraisers, or partisan conferences cannot be funded using municipal credit cards or other public resources. If an official wishes to attend such events, it is their responsibility to cover the costs personally or through non-public resources, such as campaign funds (if applicable and in compliance with campaign finance regulations).
Using public funds for partisan purposes not only violates the law, but also risks undermining the nonpartisan integrity of local offices, especially in roles explicitly designated as nonpartisan.
3. Commitment to Ethical Governance through Education.
As part of our ongoing commitment to ethical governance, we attend ethics training classes through the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). These classes specifically address critical issues such as the misuse of public funds, abuse of office, and personal responsibility.
These educational sessions reinforce our understanding of ethical practices and help ensure that we meet the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Additionally, we are encouraged to seek guidance from the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, GMA, or our city attorney to address specific questions or ambiguities regarding our responsibilities.
As a steward of public resources, we are entrusted with upholding the highest ethical standards and complying with all applicable laws and policies. By adhering to these principles and continually educating ourselves on ethical governance, we can ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly and that public trust in local governance remains strong.
Sincerely, Alvin D. Nelson City Commissioner, District 5 adnelson1981 @email.com
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