McMahan Seeks To Reassure Office Workers
Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, now apparently a target in the federal investigation involving southeastern Oklahoma abstract company co-owners Steve Phipps and Gene Stipe, has tried to reassure his office workers. He did so in a letter sent last week after the first in a series of stories reported he had been questioned by FBI agents. The letter was sent before it was revealed on Tuesday that records were seized from his home and jewelry purchased by Phipps was seized at McMahan's sister-in-law's home in Tecumseh.
McMahan wrote: Dear Friends and Employees, You may have read stories in the newspapers or heard talk at the water fountain that has caused you concern. Unfortunately, they both have led to rumors circulating through our agency. I wanted to take a moment to address these issues and reassure you there are wonderful things that are happening in the State Auditor’s Office.
First, you should be very proud of the work you are doing. The number of audits we have done is up over the last two years. We have been helping counties, state agencies, municipalities, and school districts in ways that will help them serve the taxpayers better.
The good news about much of the publicity that we have gotten in the last few months is that the public is getting to know us and getting to know what you have been doing for them for years. The difficulty is that some of the publicity is trying to stir up things that happened during the campaigns and allegations made by a former employee. Unfortunately, there are many things that I cannot fully share with you right now. It is not because I don’t trust you; it is simply because it would be inappropriate at this time. I wish I could say more to calm any concerns you might have.
I recognize that we have had a number of employees leaving in the past few months. One cause is one we are sharing with a number of entities: the baby boomers are retiring. The other problem is a good economy. Right now there is a high demand for qualified accountants. Bottom line is that you all are good and people recognize it! I assure you that I recognize it as well! When the private sector goes looking for highly qualified people with a good work ethic, they come to this office. We are a state agency and can’t, most of the time, meet the types of salaries they can sometimes offer. We miss each and every one of them but wish them well as they begin a new journey in their life.
We all have a role to play in making this the best agency in state government. I am committed to taking this office from a good place to be to a great place to be. What I do need is for you to stay focused and continue to work with me to accomplish that call.
Lastly, I don’t want you spending time worrying. If you have questions or concerns, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Jeff A. McMahan
McMahan wrote: Dear Friends and Employees, You may have read stories in the newspapers or heard talk at the water fountain that has caused you concern. Unfortunately, they both have led to rumors circulating through our agency. I wanted to take a moment to address these issues and reassure you there are wonderful things that are happening in the State Auditor’s Office.
First, you should be very proud of the work you are doing. The number of audits we have done is up over the last two years. We have been helping counties, state agencies, municipalities, and school districts in ways that will help them serve the taxpayers better.
The good news about much of the publicity that we have gotten in the last few months is that the public is getting to know us and getting to know what you have been doing for them for years. The difficulty is that some of the publicity is trying to stir up things that happened during the campaigns and allegations made by a former employee. Unfortunately, there are many things that I cannot fully share with you right now. It is not because I don’t trust you; it is simply because it would be inappropriate at this time. I wish I could say more to calm any concerns you might have.
I recognize that we have had a number of employees leaving in the past few months. One cause is one we are sharing with a number of entities: the baby boomers are retiring. The other problem is a good economy. Right now there is a high demand for qualified accountants. Bottom line is that you all are good and people recognize it! I assure you that I recognize it as well! When the private sector goes looking for highly qualified people with a good work ethic, they come to this office. We are a state agency and can’t, most of the time, meet the types of salaries they can sometimes offer. We miss each and every one of them but wish them well as they begin a new journey in their life.
We all have a role to play in making this the best agency in state government. I am committed to taking this office from a good place to be to a great place to be. What I do need is for you to stay focused and continue to work with me to accomplish that call.
Lastly, I don’t want you spending time worrying. If you have questions or concerns, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Jeff A. McMahan
Labels: Jeff McMahan
posted by Mike McCarville @ 1:03 AM
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