Spending spree indicts trust in government
Lewis DiuguidJackson County appears to have its own little GSA scandal with the discovery of its former court administrator’s wild purchases of more than $25,000 in the last 18 months of her time with the county.
The Kansas City Star reports today that Teresa York’s statements from her court supplied credit cards show questionable purchases of gift cards as well as purchases made at a women’s clothing store, shoe store, eight consecutive months of invoices for “wellness education/massages” adding to $1,980 and buys made at an area optical shop.
York was placed on leave and then last month resigned after county judges said they were concerned about the questionable use of court funds from a review of spending records going back to 2010.
Government officials apparently did goofy things that year. The General Services Administration in 2010 had its infamous Las Vegas conference, which drew congressional fire this year for its lavish spending of nearly $1 million. That included $100 plate reception, 400 pieces of $4.75 Petit Beef Wellington, 400 “Mini Monte Cristo Sandwiches” at $5 each, 1,000 sushi rolls for $7 apiece and $6,325 on commemorative coins that were given to GSA employees.
None of it endears a lot of trust in government officials in handling taxpayers’ money — particularly with unemployment so high and the economy so bad. The Jackson County case remains under investigation.
Comments
No comments have been posted. Perhaps you'd like to be the first?