When the Rio Nuevo District Board held a public meeting in March regarding the forensic audit of Depot Plaza Block which found a total of $4,542,896.24 of questioned costs, Tucson City Councilman Steve Kozachik, with the help of an indentured press, swept the matter under the rug. A story went out questioning the audit and the auditors.
With the public successfully manipulated by the press and public officials the case was closed
Things have changed. According to the Arizona Daily Star, otherwise known as Jim Click’s newsletter, Kozachik is now saying the city of Tucson is must explain the $33.8 million of questioned costs alleged in the Westside audit released by the Rio Nuevo Board, over two weeks ago.
“Steve K” has placed an item on the Tuesday’s City Council agenda. The item directs city staff to provide some explanation for the unaccounted for money, according to the Star.
Kozachik told the Star, “I wanted it on the agenda because the public deserves some response. People have a right to demand that on an issue this critical the people who are responsible step up to the plate and explain ourselves.”
In the City’s effort to marginalize their critics, Kozachik told the Star, “We shouldn’t go into hiding and curl up in the fetal position … that’s going to look like a cover-up and it’s all a big conspiracy.”
Kozachik was referring to Rio Nuevo District Board member Alberto Moore’s 45 page document, which he presented at the last meeting of District’s Board. Moore outlined years of waste, fraud and abuse, and publically named responsible parties.
The Star reported that the Mayor said it would be impossible for city staff to have every document and receipt available for inspection by Tuesday’s Council meeting. He said that staff will come before the council to offer a cursory explanation.
One City insider told the ADI that the public should not be surprised if the City suddenly “finds” unspent Rio money, and long lost receipts.
Related articles:
Moore and Hill reveal the truth about Rio Nuevo (transcript)
Rio Nuevo Board releases Depot Plaza audit: over $4 mil in questioned costs