First the Mayor's response: "I'm deeply concerned by the Comptroller's audit of the Department of Human Resources. We will do everything possible to address and remedy the issues raised in this audit by bringing all relevant parties to the table immediately. I disagree with and I am disappointed by the Department's response to the Comptroller's audit. I've directed the city Budget Director and Law Department to lead this effort and I will make any necessary changes to resolve this matter as soon as possible."
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Then the story. There are allegations of dead people receiving health benefits, delays in payments to vendors, and overall shoddy management.
According to this Buffalo News article, Comptroller Andrew SanFilippo was quoted as saying, "It's certainly a total meltdown in management. You can't hide your head in the sand, pretend there's nothing wrong with your department and say the culpability is elsewhere."
The department SanFilippo refers to is overseen by Human Resources Commissioner Karla Thomas, who was appointed by Mayor Brown in the fall of 2008. The audit ranges from July 2006 to December 2008, but auditors feel Thomas has tried to "distance herself from efforts to solve the problem," according to the News article. Still, SanFilippo refers to the "mess" that needs straightening out, and messes do take time to clean up.
But worry not. The audit is being conducted by Darryl McPherson.
Byron Brown continues to write his legacy:
"WORST Buffalo mayor - EVER"