article: 022210-Bogdanoff sees passage of Anti-Corruption Proposal

Bogdanoff sees passage of legislation to create anti-corruption office

State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, said Monday she’s confident there’s enough momentum to win passage of legislation that could lead to creation of an inspector general to police corruption in Broward’s local governments.

Action on the legislation moves to Tallahassee next week when lawmakers gather for the annual legislative session. Bogdanoff said she expects lawmakers will soon put the finishing touches on the inspector general legislation.

The IG would be an independent office with authority to investigate the County Commission, the School Board, independent agencies such as the North Broward Hospital District, and all the cities, towns and villages in the county. The office would have the power to subpoena people and documents.

If the House and Senate approve the concept, Broward’s voters would be asked in a November election if they want to create the new post.

A spate of recent arrests of public officials in Broward has heightened public interest in the issue, and Bogdanoff said the legislation would help restore the public’s faith in government.

“We have a responsibility to take hold of something and clean up our own house,” she told about 75 civic, business and political leaders at a Broward Days reception at the Riverside Hotel. “Clearly the public’s trust has been shaken.”

Despite the arrests and the media attention they’ve generated, Bogdanoff said public officials generally get a bad rap. “There is an impression given to the public that we are wrought with corruption …. And that’s clearly not the case.”

Bogdanoff said the inspector general needs to have enough authority to improve government, but not the ability to go off on rogue expeditions.

She said there would be safeguards to prevent the inspector general process from becoming used as a political tool by challengers hoping to damage incumbents. And she said an inspector general couldn’t use the office as a publicity machine and then turn around and immediately run for office.

Passage is not guaranteed. The measure is a so-called local bill, which gives it expedited consideration in Tallahassee.

However, Senate rules make it easy for one member of that chamber to block action on a local bill, and when the delegation voted on the Bogdanoff measure in January, state Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, voted no.
Still, Bogdanoff said she’s optimistic. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem getting it through.”