Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Just one more reason NOT to re-elect Will Crocker

But I figure he will win in a landslide anyway. Will Crocker is a long time Democrat "good ol' boy" who will be in office as long as he wants, probably. I knew he would win the primary election, but it was not even close. It was an embarassment to his opponent. I have had my personal dealings with how Mr. Crocker runs his office, and I was not at all impressed with his attitude nor his methods regarding the role of his responsibilities. I have offered to his opponent, James Gerrell to place a yard sign on my front lawn. He replied back towards the primary election that he would get me one for the upcoming election. Nothing yet, but I am dropping another email his way.

It was lack of accountability with county (taxpayer) money that led to the embezzlement problem with Teresa Davis in the Elections Board. Yes, the money is taxpayer money, even if the funds did not accumulate as a result of taxation. Whether the money came from fees, fines, or foreclosures, the taxpayers foot the bill for the county government to operate. These funds should be drawing interest if at all possible and should be kept in a responsible manner. To not do so is negligence and should not be tolerated.

From today's News and Observer:

Audit finds flaws in clerk's coffers

SMITHFIELD - A recently released audit report on the Johnston County clerk of Superior Court found untimely investment of funds and weak controls over cash payments during the first half of this year.

Will Crocker, clerk of Superior Court, said he agreed with the findings and took immediate measures to comply with the recommendations of the audit.

Accounts of money held by the clerk longer than six months and totaling more than $200,000 had not been invested as required by state law in specific investment types, the audit found. The audit report also said that the clerk had not separated such duties as printing and reviewing daily cash reports, signing checks and mailing checks -- creating possible opportunities for fraud.

Crocker said the money his office held in bank accounts came from tax foreclosures and other court hearings. He said his office was following the advice of the state attorney general to not do anything with the funds.

Crocker said he now has invested the money and segregated the duties of those responsible for cash disbursement.

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