Baltimore's Inspector General, Isabel Cumming, has criticized a new legislative proposal from Mayor Brandon Scott, asserting that it focuses on control rather than accountability. The four-part proposal was introduced on Wednesday and comes after months of strained relations between Cumming and the mayor's office.
The legislation aims to redefine the investigative powers of the Inspector General's Office and initiate an independent review of the SideStep program, a now-defunct initiative aimed at reducing youth violence.
Cumming expressed her concerns, stating, "What he proposes is not accountability, it is control. This is not about politics. It is about ensuring that the people of Baltimore know where their tax dollars are being spent and why. The OIG will continue to fight for the people."
In response, the mayor's office rebuffed Cumming's characterization of the proposals, emphasizing that they seek to enhance transparency while adhering to state law. They noted that attempts to meet with the Inspector General and her advisory board had not yielded any discussions.
Mayor Scott defended his proposal, saying it addresses issues regarding the effectiveness and credibility of the Inspector General's Office. The measures include clarifying the oversight process and seeking amendments to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) to exempt the Inspector General's Office from most categories.
Additionally, the mayor is advocating for statewide legislation in 2027 to amend the MPIA, which would create specific oversight for inspectors general and propose updates to the city charter regarding the oversight structure.
As part of the proposal, an independent examination of the SideStep program is also planned. The mayor stated that the aim is to conduct a thorough review free from political influence, with Baker Tilly, a global firm, engaged for the forensic investigation.
If the review substantiates claims of fraudulent activity within the program, the city intends to take appropriate actions to recover any misappropriated funds.
The tensions have escalated since February when Cumming's office filed a lawsuit against Baltimore City, alleging denial of access to crucial documents needed for her investigations. Cumming claimed the city provided heavily redacted documents in response to a subpoena related to the financial records of the SideStep program.
The lawsuit remains active, with the latest developments allowing Cumming to retain her legal representation as the case progresses.
Reported by HarborBeat based on CBS News (source).
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