This is an email that was sent by Tom Donohue to the DC Auditor General requesting that a full financial audit take place of ANC8A as a result of Muhammad restricting public comments, there being no record of meeting minutes or any financial reports/discussions and finally the entire ANC8A website being suspended.
Ms. Patterson,
I am circling back with you to officially request pursuant to D.C. Code, Section 1-264( d), that your office, the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor conduct an audit of the financial operations and activities of Advisory Neighborhood Commission ANC8A effective immediately. The objective of this audit should be to determine whether ANC 8A’s financial accounts and operations are in compliance with the Advisory Neighborhood Commission Act of 1975 (ANC law), as amended, Financial Guidelines and Procedures issued by the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor, and legal opinions issued by the Office of the Corporation Counsel.
I strongly urge your office act without delay as this matter is important to the voters of ANC8A I am unable to find meeting minutes, financial reports or even documentation that financial information is even discussed at the ANC meetings additionally at our previous meeting Ms. Muhammad restricted every member of the community from participating in any open forum by just not having any. Without the opportunity given for the residents to confront the ANC about these important matters they leave no choice but for me a resident and registered voter of this ANC to respectfully request and insist your office take immediate action on these matters and conduct an audit without delay. Your office is the only way accountability will be restored by way of transparency back to the voters. Ms. Muhammad’s refusal to allow the voters of this ANC to be heard by skipping past the community engagement part of the agenda directly conflicts with the intended purpose of why the ANC’s have been established. Without this local participation from the voters these meetings are simply one way communication of only the information Ms. Muhammad would like heard which apparently does not include anything that may hold her accountable.
I am confident that your office will find these matters of concern and will respect my right to know what is happening within the apparent confidential inner workings of my commission and that you will share my concerns. I urge your office to take action and report back to the voters of this ANC any inconsistencies or alarming findings in your investigation. We have the right and your office has the obligation and authority to force compliance and provide the transparency which puts accountability back into the hands of the voters.
I very much appreciate your understanding and support in this matter and I look forward to your acknowledgement and expected plan of action your office plans to take in relation to this request. I will of course be keeping my fellow neighbors up to date with your updates.
Respectfully,
Tom Donohue
ANC8A Resident
Ward 8 Small Business Owner