voiceofsandiego.org: Slop... Closure
an independent nonprofit |
Support This Service

Closure

Published: Friday, November 2, 2007 12:34 PM PDT



Like most agencies, the city of San Diego retains legal counsel to review its financial disclosures like the 2005 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report I've been talking about the last two days.

San Diego's current lawyer for this effort, D.C.-based John McNally, just took responsibility for the little error we discovered in the report.

In an e-mail to the City Attorney's Office, and specifically, Deputy City Attorney Brant Will, McNally explains:

Brant, I saw the article on the Voice of San Diego webpage regarding the FY05 Letter of Transmittal. I take complete responsibility for the incorrect reference regarding the Stage 1 water declaration. Various drafts of the LOT contrasted Mike's recommendation of a Stage 2 declaration with the Mayor's voluntary efforts. In reviewing the Municipal Code to accurately reflect the procedures for the declaration of the various stages, I made the incorrect assumption that the voluntary efforts suggested by the Mayor were pursuant to a Stage 1 declaration.


I just talked to McNally, who confirmed the e-mail.

Unless anyone can think of another angle on this little misstep, I'm done.

-- SCOTT LEWIS




4 Comments so far on this story...

OK,these things happen and it isn't the worst thing in the world. However, it doesn't change the fact that multiple city leaders didn't read what they are signing and representing to the public and the markets. Sort of funny, but still not good. There is a history here.

Posted by Dale Peterson | reply to this comment
November 2, 2007 2:59 pm

It's not very comforting that the City's disclosure counsel approved a document that was factually inaccurate. I find it interesting Scott that you were willing/able to throw stuff the Mayor's way when it may very well be that this was the fault of an attorney hired by Mike Aguirre. WOW!

Posted by Always Doubtful | reply to this comment
November 2, 2007 3:10 pm

The DC guy has no political capital to lose, and his distance shields him from personlly being concerned, and professionally, he's protected by taking the heat for the so-called mistake. Being far away from the city prevents one from caring about the doo-doo people throw at you, and this is an example of the downside. The upside is that one can say what they believe is important -- 'Truth' is in the eye of the beholder, ask the Edgar and this lawyer guy, and one can use their own persona without worrying about losing their job, their friends or their spirit -- it's so sad anonoymous pseudonyms are the norm for this site. I have lived in San Diego and just moved to northern California where I can say definitively, distance makes the heart grow fonder and capable of great vulnerability -- DC guy has no worries.

Posted by Christopher Hall | reply to this comment
November 2, 2007 6:01 pm

Mistakes will happen. Taking responsibility for them and correcting them promptly is what doesn't happen often enough and what we need more of. Mr. McNally is no less vulnerable than any other highly regarded professional in a national (perhaps international) economy. Word travels fast, especially among competitors. I bet they're all saying what I'm thinking. The guy has class. Kudos Mr. McNally for doing the right thing... I repeat, the right thing. I like the sound of that!

Posted by Dimples | reply to this comment
November 5, 2007 2:14 pm


Reader feedback
  • Users may post more than one comment, but should not pose as multiple users. Multiple posts from the same IP address but with a different user name on each will be reviewed to determine whether abuse has occurred.
  • Posts with overly personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations may be edited or deleted.
  • Please be patient with the posts -- there may be a delay before they appear on the site -- and make sure to enter the code in the "image verification" box.
Post a comment
Name:
Email:
Comments:
Current Word Count: Verification Code
d8751b3

Scott Lewis on Politics

The Scott Lewis on Politics blog, abbreviated cleverly as SLOP, is a collection of observations, insights and the occasional scoop on public affairs in San Diego. Please feel free to e-mail Scott at scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org.


Listen to voiceofsandiego.org's radio program on AM 600 KOGO: Latest Episode (November 8): Scott Lewis and Michael Zucchet talk about the city's budget

Subscribe to the Podcast Feed



MOST POPULAR STORIES:



MOST POPULAR STORIES:


Copyright © 2009 voiceofsandiego.org. All Rights Reserved.