It’s politics as usual in Augusta – Neria Douglass appointed as the new state auditor and Democrats take care of one of their own. They have again shown that finding a position for an ousted senator is more important than appointing a qualified auditor.
A story in the Sun Journal (Dec. 3) indicated that Neria Douglass was running against Dick Foote, a CPA and a certified internal auditor. Foote meets state of Maine requirements, yet Douglass is picked to head a department she is not qualified by law to fill.
When asked, Douglass states, “I’ve always been good at school and tests, what’s really important is dealing with people.” She stated that she believes she will get the accounting certification within the six months allowed by law.
Neria Douglass ought to stay within her law degree where she could use her training, as she states, “dealing with people.”
During the last couple of years, the state of Maine has had problems, in some departments, with regulating, disbursing and accounting for its spending. A qualified and certified auditor could have and should have been appointed to the position. That person should be able to understand the transfer and allocation of funds and that person should be able to determine if conflicts exist, not just be able to “deal with people.”
Neria Douglass was defeated in the general election but, as usual, Augusta takes care of one of its own. Sad for the state and sad for our democratic process overall.
Roger Belanger, Auburn
Send questions/comments to the editors.
