The Massachusetts State Auditor has recently referred troubling practices at the state convention center authority to law enforcement agencies, following an audit that revealed a series of concerning findings. According to auditors, the agency failed to provide sufficient quotes for several purchases, did not adhere to procurement policies for a media contract exceeding $100,000, approved vendor contracts without board approval, and executed a costly employee settlement without proper authorization.
State Auditor DiZoglio expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and compliance with state laws and policies under the prior leadership of the Convention Center. She highlighted instances where the agency selectively followed public records laws and procurement procedures, raising red flags about its overall governance and accountability. Of particular concern was the violation of the law in executing a $1.2 million non-disclosure agreement to conceal allegations of racial discrimination.
As a result of the audit findings, DiZoglio’s office has referred several matters to other agencies for further investigation and potential enforcement. The State Attorney General’s office and the State Ethics Commission are among the entities tasked with looking into the issues raised in the report. The convention center authority officials have acknowledged the findings and admitted that previous leadership did not adhere to proper procedures.
One of the key issues highlighted in the audit was a media consultant contract that resulted in over half a million dollars in spending. The contract was pursued as a sole-source procurement by the former executive director without involving the procurement department, indicating a lack of oversight and accountability in the decision-making process. The former executive director, David Gibbons, who served under Governor Charlie Baker, resigned amidst controversies, including allegations of an opaque developer selection process in South Boston.
In response to the audit findings, the convention center authority’s interim executive director, Gloria Cordes Larson, has been commended for her efforts to address the issues identified in the report. It is crucial for the agency to take immediate action to rectify the deficiencies in governance and compliance to ensure transparency and accountability moving forward.
The revelations from the audit underscore the importance of strong oversight and adherence to established policies and procedures in government agencies. The public expects transparency and ethical conduct from public officials, and any deviations from these standards must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. By referring the troubling practices to law enforcement agencies, the State Auditor is signaling a commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in state operations.