The Blueprint to Redefine DeKalb proposes initial reforms for rebuilding citizens’ trust and confidence in DeKalb County government. Until the cloud of corruption and lack of transparency in government operations are eliminated, county actions and decisions will be suspect. Citizens must demand DeKalb government move to an ethical and transparent higher ground.
Three of our four recommendations represent best practices that have been proven to save tax dollars, ensure transparency and prevent corruption. The key Blueprint concepts call for modifying the organizational act to:
• Create an independent, sustainable, professional and comprehensive internal audit function. Many local governments have this function to improve operations, investigate abuses and recommend solutions. The chief audit executive must be independent from the CEO and commissioners and should report to an independent body, such as a citizens oversight committee. To be sustainable and comprehensive, the internal audit department’s budget should be mandated funding as a percentage of the annual county budget. The internal audit function should be professional and demonstrate consistent use of best practices by following guidelines of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and Association of Local Government Auditors.
• Strengthen the Board of Ethics. In recent months, nearly every DeKalb citizen has recognized the importance of this board and the ways the appointment process has disrupted its ability to operate. The board cannot be appointed by the commissioners and CEO without becoming a pawn in the political process. To restore public trust, the Board of Ethics should be independently appointed by a panel of civic and professional organizations; made up of individuals with experience in ethics, law, finance or relevant subjects, and protected against budget constraints by mandated funding as a percentage of the annual county budget. It should educate all individuals subject to its jurisdiction regarding ethical behavior.
• Establish checks and balances over the management of the procurement process. Currently, all procurement policies are under the sole jurisdiction of the CEO, which allows for unilateral changes to procedures without consulting or notifying anyone, including the commissioners. This broad assignment of power can lead to abuses. DeKalb spends more than $200 million annually on contracts established by the procurement department, an enormous sum lacking appropriate oversight by the legislative branch of county government. The process for awarding contracts must be fair, consistent, transparent and efficient. Recently, a highly critical third-party study and a special grand jury called for reforms in this crucial area. The organizational act should permit the commissioners to adopt the procurement procedures in county ordinances to provide clear, enforceable law.
The final recommendation — for term limits for the Board of Commissioners and school board — is admittedly controversial. The Blueprint suggests placing a straw poll on the ballot to advance the discussion. Consider that an incumbent DeKalb commissioner has not lost an election since 1992, when Elaine Boyer beat Jean Williams. The reason: Incumbents have an enormous advantage in name recognition and fundraising. These advantages are barriers to those wanting to enter public service. DeKalb benefits every time a well-qualified, talented leader steps up, yet the power of incumbency is a deterrent.
Most of all, DeKalb needs engaged citizens. Ultimately, we citizens are responsible for our government. The Blueprint DeKalb team encourages you to become involved in government. Please endorse the blueprint on our website (www.BlueprintDeKalb.org). Contact elected officials to insist on effective reforms. Primarily, get involved and help us begin to restore trust and pride in DeKalb County.
Patricia Killingsworth and Gil Turman are members of Blueprint DeKalb’s leadership team.
