First Selectwoman Mary Ann-Drayton Rogers drafted a letter Sunday about the investigation taking place concerning missing money from the tax collector’s office.
In the letter, Drayton-Rogers writes that the investigation has expanded beyond its original time frame — and that the town will establish a committee to review policies and procedures in the tax collector’s office.
Here is a copy of Drayton-Rogers’ letter, sent to Valley Independent Sentinel writer Mike Russo today:
January 17, 2010
An Open Letter to the Residents of Oxford
To the Residents of Oxford:
As you are aware, an allegation of mishandling of funds in the Tax Collector’s office has been made to my office. As your First Selectman, I assure you that everything is being done to protect the town and determine whether or not the allegation is true.
Upon receiving this information, immediate steps were taken to involve legal counsel and to work with local banking officials to review the pertinent information. The town auditing firm of Michaud and Accavallo was brought into the investigation to work with my office in confirming the uncovered information.
A procedural review was ordered to cover a specified period of time. That review has since been expanded and the State Police have been notified through our Resident State Trooper, Sgt. Dan Semosky. The town will do whatever is necessary to further assist the police investigation.
Your tax dollars and the Town’s integrity are being protected.
The purpose of this letter is not to speculate on what the outcome will be, but rather to put your concerns at ease. The office of the Tax Collector will be sufficiently staffed and will conduct all necessary business efficiently and accurately.
I will act swiftly to establish a bi-partisan committee to review all policies and procedures presently being used in the tax office and to recommend changes that will improve the collection and recording of your tax dollars.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as this difficult matter is brought to a conclusion.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers
First Selectman
Exactly what Oxford needs, another committee!
Immediate steps..huh. Why weren’t all the selectman notified immediately almost three weeks later? I forgot The Fisrt Selectman ORDERED no one to comment on this issue. It seems as if the political pressure on Drayton Rogers has prompted her to notify the public in which she SERVES??? and throw a committee into the mix so she did not have to deal with the situation.
She is a poor administrator remember she was a government employee and they had policy to follow. She is on her own and can do nothing without legal advice first. If there was good cause to believe her anonymous info she should have called in the attorney general and let the state handle it. Maybe she jotted it down on her calender and forgot to follow through. That is why we have State officers let them handle this mess so we can get to the bottom of it.
Questions:
Why did Drayton-Rogers put the Tax Collector on sick leave intead of paid leave?
Why didn’t Drayton-Rogers call in the attorney general to investigate this since the Tax Collector is an elected official?