California Inspector General
Shortly after President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Laura Chick to act as Inspector General, to provide oversight to the proper use of the federal funds. Chick resigned her City Controller post before the end of her term to accept the state position.
"Laura's impressive track record as a watchdog and public servant makes her uniquely qualified to ensure this funding is used as it was intended-to create jobs and help our state through this difficult economic time," said Governor Schwarzenegger.
The Sacramento Bee heralded Chick's arrival in the Capitol with the headline, "Misuse stimulus cash - you'll answer to her".
Chick energetically took up the state's challenge of overseeing the massive expenditure of American Recovery funds though her Office was given very little resources. With a handful of auditors borrowed from other state departments she scrutinized local agencies across the state. Chick released nearly 30 reports uncovering misspent stimulus funds totaling millions. Her relentless style elicited critics inside State Government as it had with insiders in Los Angeles City Hall.
Newly reelected Governor Jerry Brown eliminated the Office of the Inspector General in December 2010.
Read more about this topic: Laura N. Chick
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