Citizen calls for full-scale audit of Cameron city government

I believe that Cameron’s new city council with 2 new members from the April Election and one from last year’s along with a new mayor should request a state audit. School districts are required every year to have one and Missouri Counties are required every 4 or 5 years. Cities and towns aren’t required too, but can request one from the state. Maybe that’s why some of our towns have such conflict. They don’t ask.

As most of you know, the City of Cameron has not been immune to controversy with its city government.  I checked with the state auditor’s office a year ago or so and Yes, we have a case file.  When I was with Daviess County Commission, we had mostly A ratings and continually welcomed the review by the auditor. The dept. heads didn’t like it but the residents did. Last year, the City of Polo received a B rating on their request for a state audit.  This council approved action cleared the city clerk and provided more guidance in employees doing their jobs. The residents didn’t petition for the audit the council did.

I strongly suggest that this council do the same thing and vote for a Full state audit of all city finances, policies, practices, procedures, all depts., employment practices and background checks., confirmation of employee and volunteer status, board appointments, ethics codes and violations, selective code enforcement, contracts with EDOC, contractors on the swimming pool and park, and other contractuals of the last 10 years to include the business park and recent land purchases, conflicts of interests by officeholders and office seekers, and other issues brought up by residents of the town, area, businesses, or vendors.

By bringing it all out in the open, this new council and employees will learn and operate more efficiently, operate in compliance with state statues,  have less lawsuits, build good will with the public, and improve the economic climate for the town.  If we want more of the same, we have learned absolutely nothing. And to me that will be the classic definition of craziness: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

So let’s finally clear the air and go forward.

C. Bud Young

Cameron, MO

Click this link to participate in a poll regarding whether Mayor Becky Curtis should initiate a state audit regarding Cameron's business practices. http://mycameronnews.com/order-provide-clean-slate-new-cameron-city-council-do-you-believe-mayor-becky-curtis-should-initiate