Watchdog details run-ins with (Tom) Ridge

[quaoar]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=Ridge%20Inspector%20General

By PETE YOST
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER


WASHINGTON -- The Homeland Security Department's former independent watchdog says he was twice summoned to then-Secretary Tom Ridge's office last year and asked why his reports criticizing the agency were being sent to Congress and whether they could be presented more favorably to the department.

Ridge "was trying to get me not to give things to Congress and also to try to spin reports in a way most favorable to the department, and I resisted both of those," former Inspector General Clark Kent Ervin said in an interview.

In a statement, Ridge said: "I did not always agree with the tactics, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations of the inspector general. At no time, however, did I ever ask him to suppress or withhold a specific report.

< snip >

The Associated Press approached Ervin about his meetings with Ridge after the dates turned up on Ridge's daily appointment calendars, which the AP obtained last month under the Freedom of Information Act.

[DBoon]

1. of course an IG report goes to Congress

It should be published to the world on a Web site. The IG's office is a key means to hold government accountable.

The IG is the internal auditor of a government entity. Pressuring an IG to release a "more favorable report" is like Enron pressuring Arthur Andersen to do the same.

[shance]

2. Thank you for posting. I didn't realize how important that office was.

I would imagine many other Americans don't as well.

Shows how important it is for us to know the job description and duties for the more important government offices.

[MADem]

3. Love the way Ridge calls the guy a LIAR--no couth or shame, these toadies!

Ervin's statements are "untrue and deserve no further comment," said Ridge, who left as secretary last month.

Why do I think it's ERVIN who's telling the truth? Gosh, I wonder!

[CanOfWhoopAss]

4. Sometimes they're like teenagers with the exact words ambiguity

>>In a statement, Ridge said: "I did not always agree with the tactics, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations of the inspector general. At no time, however, did I ever ask him to suppress or withhold a specific report.<<

He didn't ask to withold a specific report but I'm sure he wanted sections of reports omitted.

[Festivito]

7. Good call. Never a report, as in whole thing, but, parts is parts.

They are that slimey as I see it.

[LiberalFighter]

8. When someone in his position calls someone in to discuss...

something of that nature. It IS an attempt to suppress/coerce!!

[shanti]

13. a lil armtwisting too

that can't be "seen".

[Daphne08]

5. ...the former Pennsylvania governor (Ridge) replied,

"I had an IG in Pennsylvania and he didn't release things to the Legislature or to the press."

I wonder how the residents of Pennsylvania are going to feel about that one.

[coffeenap]

6. superman??

[True_Blue]

9. Inspector: Ridge fought report

WASHINGTON – The Homeland Security Department's former independent watchdog says he was twice summoned to Tom Ridge's office last year and asked why his reports criticizing the agency were being sent to Congress and whether they could be presented more favorably to the department.

The former Homeland Security secretary "was trying to get me not to give things to Congress and also to try to spin reports in a way most favorable to the department, and I resisted both of those," former Inspector General Clark Kent Ervin said.

In a statement, Mr. Ridge said: "I did not always agree with the tactics, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations of the inspector general. At no time, however, did I ever ask him to suppress or withhold a specific report.

Mr. Ervin's statements are "untrue and deserve no further comment," said Mr. Ridge, who left as secretary last month.

more....
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/washington/stories/031405dnnatinspector.48de.html

[agincourt]

10. The state of homeland security is unimportant,

What is important, is image. No wonder bush picked him.

[stevedeshazer]

11. Ridge: From Homeland Security to Home Depot.

Guess helping them out with selling duct tape and plastic sheeting paid off handsomely for Tom the Incompetent:

Home Depot names Ridge to board of directors

ATLANTA (AP) — Tom Ridge, the former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and former governor of Pennsylvania, was named to The Home Depot’s board of directors, the home improvement retailer announced on Thursday.

"Tom Ridge served his country with great distinction, and we are honored to have him join our board, where we expect that his unique global experience and perspective will make a profound contribution to our company and our shareholders," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO.

http://www.dailyitem.com/archive/2005/0226/biz/stories/07biz.htm

[VegasWolf]

12. Guess it's time to start buying at Lowes! n/t

[anitar1]

19. Figures he would end up at Home Depot but

can anyone tell me who owns Lowes? A relative was visiting in Okla. recently and told me that people there love Lowes because it is owned by Wal Mart? Sounds goofy to me but I am curious and can't seem to find an answer.

[shanti]

14. that does it

it's lowe's for me now.

[TahitiNut]

15. As a non-employee Director of Home Depot, he'd probably be on their ...

... Audit Committee. It'd be another corruption of corporate accountability if he pulled the same shit (or set the tone) he did with the IG. If he (God forbid!) chaired the Audit Committee, the Director of Internal Audit would report to him on operational (i.e. audits and findings) matters. (Directors of Internal Audit typically report to the CFO administratively.) As the Chairman of the Audit Committee, he could be the last line of 'defense' in covering up Executive malfeasance ... such as stock fraud.

[stevedeshazer]

17. Hadn't thought of that angle...hmm

My take was simpler...he got a cushier, higher-paying gig.

I remember a few months ago, I think before the election, that he was bitching about not making enough money as Minister of Scary Colors, so I figured it was about cash and rewards.

Your take is more sinister, and entirely plausible.

These boys run in a tight circle, that's for sure.

[TahitiNut]

18. Looks to me like the top insiders have something like $100 million ...

... in stock options. A few million here, a few million there, and pretty soon that's serious money. They're NYSE-traded, so my conjecture about the organization of Internal Audit is very likely correct. (It was once, at least, part of NYSE qualification, iirc.) Given cronies on the Audit Committee, lots of 'extra-legal' shenanigans can take place.

[saigon68]

20. his unique global experience and perspective

Also his ability to shuffle "INSIDER" Contracts !!!

[Dr Fate]

16. Democrats should be on TV tomorrow asking "What is Bush hiding?"

And demnand that Ridge & Bush go "under oath" in order to clear this up, "...unless they are hiding somthing, that is."

NAHHHHH- that would be "too radical" or "too much like Mike Moore"- best just give them a free pass, like always.