An audit of the Portland Hotel Society revealed late last week that a significant amount of money had been spent inappropriately on limousines, expensive meals, luxury hotels and Disneyland vacations.
What troubles me most about this story is the fact that some of the spending irregularities go back to at least 2010. Aren't these types of organizations subject to annual audits of their financial statements? Shouldn't red flags be raised earlier? It wasn't until B.C. Housing stepped in last November and demanded this audit that the truth came to pass.
Caught up in this audit was the revelation that an MLA, Jenny Kwan, was the recipient of many trips paid for by the society. When it came to light that it was the society - not her husband (a former director) - who had paid for the vacations, she quickly took responsibility, reimbursed the society and took an unpaid leave of absence from her duties as MLA. Regardless if you agree with her politics, this is the right move, and I respect her for it. Realistically, she had no choice.
Charities and politicians have one thing in common - they use other people's hard earned money for, hopefully, the greater good. When they use it for themselves or for personal gain and get caught, the public has little patience or sympathy. In this case, the society and the MLA violated the public trust, and are now being punished.
I believe Kwan's assertion that she thought her husband had paid for her portion of the trips personally, but that is entirely beside the point. As someone who, by profession, upholds the public trust, she had the obligation to demand proof, for the very reason she faces now.
I work for a charitable organization. I manage a significant budget and face numerous decisions on how best to spend it. To ensure the money we receive is used properly and responsibly, I follow one simple rule when making a significant decision: How would I justify this if I had a microphone or TV camera in my face? If I am the least bit hesitant, the answer is simple: I don't do it.
Fair or not, politicians and charities have to be beyond reproach when it comes to spending money. The public expects that what they give, either through taxes or donations, is used responsibly, otherwise I'm sure you'd like to hang onto that money for yourself. I would.
Maybe that's why Rob Ford still has a following in Toronto. For all his faults, he hasn't been using taxpayers' money for his transgressions. The only person being truly harmed is Rob Ford. But as soon as he springs for a $10 latte on his expense account, look out.
While the fallout continues, I still question how this could have been missed through regular audits. I can't find previous audits in my searches, which makes me question if any had happened. And if not, why not? This is our money being spent, so we have the right to know if it's being spent wisely.
I guess that's the question that needs to be answered. Just remember to speak clearly into the mic.
