BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming has expressed frustration over what she describes as a lack of cooperation from city officials regarding her investigation into the finances of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE).
During a recent board meeting, Cumming revealed that she received 200 pages of city documents, but many were heavily redacted, marking a significant obstacle in her inquiry.
"The documents are third-party contract payments. I wanted to see where the money is going," Cumming stated, emphasizing the importance of transparency in her investigation.
In response to a subpoena issued by Cumming, city officials cited an opinion from the attorney general that allows them to withhold certain records from the inspector general. Mayor Brandon Scott clarified in a radio interview that under Maryland state law, the city is prohibited from sharing juvenile and specific financial records with individuals not part of the agreements.
However, Cumming pointed out that voters granted her office subpoena power five years ago, which she believes entitles her to access the necessary documents. "I would like you to allow me to enforce the subpoena and allow me to get pro bono attorneys to help me enforce the subpoena that I lawfully issued," she told her advisory board.
The board supported Cumming's request to seek legal assistance in enforcing the subpoena. Despite this backing, City Hall has continued to limit her access to essential records, hindering her ability to conduct a thorough investigation.
Cumming expressed her concerns, stating, "It does bring me great concern, but this office is the office of the people."
Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).
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