On August 24, 2009 you informed me that you intend to nominate a new candidate for Yonkers Inspector General – a position that I have held for over 11 years. You offered me the opportunity to resign before you make the formal announcement. Rather than resign; however, I feel compelled to continue to fulfill my obligations to the people of Yonkers, and remain in office until a new IG has been confirmed by the City Council.
I believe that the Inspector General serves an important, independent role in City government, and I have worked to fulfill that role by dedicating myself to the mission of making Yonkers’ government ethical, efficient and free of fraud, waste and abuse. As the IG, I have established a professional office with a strong record of achievement. Some of our more notable projects have led to the exposure of nepotism, cronyism and ethical violations of former superintendents of schools and documented waste and abuse in the City’s payment of overtime and the use of take-home City vehicles. In all our work, we have demonstrated a fundamental fairness and thoroughness which has given us credibility and ultimately helped reduce misconduct, save the City money, and enhance the overall integrity of municipal government.
Currently, my office is engaged in a series of important projects, including investigations, audits and inspections, which I feel obligated to see through to completion. Specifically, our ongoing work includes:
* A review of City cellular phones
* An audit of the School District’s health and welfare payments
* A review of community benefits promised by the Ridge Hill and Hope VI developers
inspection and review of CDBG funding to three Community Based Organizations
It is my understanding that under New York State Public Officer’s Law and the City Charter, the selection of a new Inspector General is a partnership between the Mayor and the City Council. As the current IG, I am entitled to remain in the position until the City Council has confirmed a replacement. During the confirmation process, I will continue to focus on the substantive work of my office, and hope to continue the good working relationship that I have had with members of your administration.
Sincerely,
Philip A. Zisman
Inspector General
CC: Chuck Lesnick, City Council President
Sandy Annabi, City Council Majority Leader
Liam McLaughlin, City Council Minority Leader
Patricia McDow, City Council Member 1st District
Joan Gronowski, City Council Member 3rd District
John Murtagh, City Council Member 5th District
