Taxpayer Watchdog Condemns Proposal Threatening Atlanta’s IG Independence

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224) 456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Atlanta City Councilman, Howard Shook, introduced charter amendment legislation that would end the Office of the Inspector General’s (IG) independence. The amendment would essentially remove the IG’s investigative powers and severely limit the office’s access to records. IGs play a pivotal role in protecting taxpayers against waste and corruption – in Atlanta and across the nation. As the IG, Shannon Manigault, accurately stated herself, this legislation only takes Atlanta backwards.

In response, Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) President David Williams provided the following comment:

“This proposal is nothing but punishment for an IG that has done a terrific job. IG Manigault has been characterized by her exceptional job exposing corruption schemes and city officials who make a mockery of public service. The proposed amendment is a severe blow to public accountability and an insult to the residents of Atlanta.

“There has been an unfortunate nationwide trend of city governments attacking their own IGs for simply doing their jobs. From Atlanta to Baltimore, those IGs who take their job seriously are facing considerable hostility. Public officials should not be spooked by accountability, but should welcome it.

“TPA vehemently rejects this proposal and calls onto the Atlanta City Council to shut it down immediately.”

###

Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.