Eliott's Insight: Amendment 4 Would Give Watchdog Office Permanency

Miami-Dade's Office of Inspector General was created in 1998 to fight waste and fraud in county government. Since its inception, debate has raged over whether the county watchdog agency truly has the independence it needs to to do its job. After all, if the Inspector General's Office was created by an ordinance passed by the county commission, how can it be an independent watchdog of the commissioners? Its a valid question, and now Miami-Dade voters will have a say in the matter.

Amendment 4 on the May 24th ballot would make the Office of Inspector General a part of the Miami-Dade County Charter. Currently, the Inspector General's Office is authorized by ordinance and not enshrined in the charter.

Inspector General Christopher Mazzella, who has served in the office since its creation in 1998, joined me for News & Views and told me county voters should vote "yes" on the question. He also refuted criticism of the proposal from auto tycoon Norman Braman.

Mazzella says his office scours county contracts for fraud, waste and mismanagement and has saved the county millions of dollars. "It's a very significant charter issue," Mazzella said.

Recently, Braman, who funded the recall campaign against Mayor Carlos Alvarez, said he will vote against Amendment 4 because he thinks the Inspector General should be elected and not appointed. Currently, the Inspector General is appointed by a blue-ribbon committee that includes the state attorney, public defender, local police chiefs and other criminal justice officials.

Mazzellad does not believe the Inspector General should be elected. "I don't think the Inspector General should have to campaign and collect campaign contributions. You may end up investigating the individuals who are donating to your campaign."

Even if Amendment 4 passes, the county commission would have the power to decide how the office is funded, but Mazzella believes Amendment 4 is a good first step in making the Inspector General's Office stronger and more independent. "We need to take politics out of the office permanently and forever," he said. "Giving the Inspector's Office permanency is vital for this community."