William Perry, executive director of Common Cause Georgia, has been a critic of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, which he believes has been hindered by a lack of funding and administrative turmoil. But recent developments — including a new executive director and its decision to investigate an $80,000 discrepancy in the campaign reports of former Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards — have convinced Perry the troubled agency is headed in the right direction. Perry responded to questions from Channel 2 Action News investigative intern Ciara Bri’d Frisbie.
Have you seen new life from the commission in light of its decision to investigate Bill Edwards’ campaign finances?
Absolutely, we have a renewed sense of faith in the commission. They have a long way to go in terms of support from the Legislature and the governor, but they are on the right track and an investigation into this campaign finance discrepancy shows that.
With new executive director Stefan Ritter and additional resources, do you think the commission is now able to fulfill its mission?
The agency appears to have the right director in place and it is adequately funded for this fiscal year. However, there is a lot of reform still needed in order to protect its independence from political pressure from the governor and Legislature.
Do you think the commission is heading in the right direction?
Yes, under Mr. Ritter’s leadership, I do believe the agency is headed in the right direction. And we continue to watch closely with guarded, yet hopeful optimism.
Do you think other politicians could be investigated?
Under the agency’s former structure and funding level, it was impossible to audit every report they received. I imagine a thorough audit of all reports would uncover a lot of missing information and discrepancies from campaigns and public officials. So yes, I think there’s a lot left uncovered.
Stefan Ritter says the agency may launch an automated computerized audit system within the next year or so. Do you think this will help in the future to catch discrepancies like this?
Absolutely, I think an automated system would help catch a lot of holes in reporting, and would save a lot of staff time and state tax payer money.
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