Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick to the newly created post of inspector general to oversee state spending of federal stimulus funds.
I commend Governor Schwarzenegger for recognizing the importance of creating the position of inspector general to oversee the estimated $50 billion that is expected to benefit California and local governments. He has made an excellent choice in Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick to fill this post. She has been aggressive in her oversight of taxpayer dollars and highlighting deficiencies in Los Angeles city operations.
The City of Long Beach takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that grant funds issued to the City are used as intended and for the maximum possible benefit. The good news for the citizens of Long Beach is that the City is well positioned to receive federal stimulus grants. We already have the necessary audit oversight in place to detect and prevent the misuse of public funds, including federal stimulus funds.
I wholeheartedly support newly appointed Inspector General Laura Chick. I look forward to continuing to work with her in enhancing transparency and accountability in local governments’ use of federal stimulus funds.
Laura L. Doud
Long Beach City Auditor
