To the Editor;

The defeat of legislation to establish an office of Rhode Island Inspector General is a profound disappointment for those who strive for transparency, accountability, and good governance in our state. This legislation had the potential to bring about significant positive changes to our political system, but unfortunately, it was not met with the support it deserved. Clearly, those wielding power at the House of Representatives have another agenda.

The Office of Inspector General is a crucial component of any democratic system, free from political influence and election pressures, the OIG functions autonomously as a quasi-constitutional appointment. Its purpose is to investigate and expose waste, corruption, fraud, and other wrongdoing in government agencies. By providing an independent and impartial oversight, an Inspector General ensures that public resources are well-managed and efficiently allocated. When necessary, certain criminal matters, when detected, could be referred to the Auditor General, Attorney General's office or the U.S. Attorney for further action. Such is the power of autonomy One cannot deny that Rhode Island has had its fair share of corruption scandals throughout its history. The need for an Inspector General's office becomes especially important in light of this troubling fact. Establishing this office would have been a vital step towards restoring public trust in government institutions.

There are several reasons why this legislation may have been defeated, and none of them are particularly reassuring. Critics argue that the establishment of an Inspector General's office would be costly and redundant, as similar oversight bodies already exist. Consider this, on the federal level, for every $1 invested, in an Office of Inspector General, $21 is recovered. In Rhode Island it is conceivable that figure could reach far higher. Additionally, the problem with these existing bodies is that they lack the level of independence and authority that an Inspector General possesses.

Furthermore, some opponents of this legislation may have been concerned about the potential political implications of establishing an independent Inspector General's office. It's not uncommon for politicians to resist measures that hold them accountable for their actions. Bear in mind, every single Democrat in the House (without exception) voted against this legislation. Of course, this raises the

ever-present question, WHY. This defeat highlights the unfortunate reality that some individuals prioritize their own interests over the public good.

The consequences of this defeat are far-reaching. Without an Inspector General, Rhode Island is more susceptible to corruption and mismanagement. It hinders efforts to root out unethical behavior, wastes taxpayer money, and erodes public trust in our government. The defeat of this legislation perpetuates a system that lacks necessary checks and balances.

However, the defeat of this legislation should not discourage us as engaged citizens. It should serve as a wake-up call, a reminder of the importance of staying informed and actively participating in the process. It is our responsibility to hold our representatives accountable and push for reforms that will make our

government more transparent and accountable.

In conclusion, the defeat of legislation to establish an office of Rhode Island Inspector General is a setback for those who champion good governance and transparency. It is disappointing to see an opportunity for positive change go unrealized. However, we must not lose hope or become complacent. We must continue to advocate for accountability, work towards reforms, and elect those who will make our government more responsible to its citizens.

Richard Fascia, of Johnston

Editor’s Note: Richard Fascia is a Republican candidate for  Rhode Island State Representative in District 42 (Johnston/Cranston).