Oklahoman: No Work, No Pay
Editorial, The Oklahoman ~ After his client pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges last month, attorney Rand C. Eddy said state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan was considering resigning. "We expect to make an announcement in the near future,” Eddy said.
Three weeks later, nothing. Why?
Perhaps because McMahan is still getting paid, despite not being in the office since before his court appearance Jan. 25. He announced after entering his plea to nine felony counts that he was stepping aside and turning over the office's day-to-day operations to his top deputy. McMahan did that, but with pay — which is $109,250 per year, or about $2,100 a week. Nice non-work if you can get it.
Now members of the state House of Representatives are beginning the process that could result in McMahan's impeachment. A vote could come next week on a resolution calling for the formation of a committee to look into the allegations against McMahan, who along with his wife is accused of accepting improper trips and illegal campaign contributions from the head of an abstract company. Until recently, the state auditor's office regulated the abstract industry in Oklahoma. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and violating the Travel Act to commit bribery.
The Legislature has every right to explore impeachment. When he ran for public office, McMahan knew he could be removed by voters or by impeachment in the event of malfeasance. If he were to resign, something his own attorney suggested might happen, lawmakers could avoid distracting impeachment proceedings and taxpayers could have a full-time auditor in place to do the auditor's duties.
Three weeks later, nothing. Why?
Perhaps because McMahan is still getting paid, despite not being in the office since before his court appearance Jan. 25. He announced after entering his plea to nine felony counts that he was stepping aside and turning over the office's day-to-day operations to his top deputy. McMahan did that, but with pay — which is $109,250 per year, or about $2,100 a week. Nice non-work if you can get it.
Now members of the state House of Representatives are beginning the process that could result in McMahan's impeachment. A vote could come next week on a resolution calling for the formation of a committee to look into the allegations against McMahan, who along with his wife is accused of accepting improper trips and illegal campaign contributions from the head of an abstract company. Until recently, the state auditor's office regulated the abstract industry in Oklahoma. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and violating the Travel Act to commit bribery.
The Legislature has every right to explore impeachment. When he ran for public office, McMahan knew he could be removed by voters or by impeachment in the event of malfeasance. If he were to resign, something his own attorney suggested might happen, lawmakers could avoid distracting impeachment proceedings and taxpayers could have a full-time auditor in place to do the auditor's duties.
McMahan was right to step aside, and we said so at the time. But it is clearly wrong that he continues to draw his salary. He can't have it both ways — if he isn't going to work, then he needs to forgo his paycheck.
Labels: Jeff McMahan
posted by Mike McCarville @ 10:05 AM
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