Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 | Because of misleading and some incorrect statements in the voiceofsandiego.org article, “Auditor Disputes Airport Officials’ Claim,” it is necessary to set the record straight on my discussions with the reporter, Rob Davis.
First, the title of the article is entirely misleading. The word “dispute” is defined as, “To question the truth or validity of.” At no time in my conversation with Mr. Davis did I question the truth or validity of Chairman Joe Craver’s or Diana Lucero’s statements. I stated that the characterization by Authority officials that the audit did not find any wrongdoing or ethics breaches was not a completely accurate characterization of the scope of the report because the investigation was confined to the issue of whether the alleged actions violated the Authority’s ethics policy; the report did not evaluate these violations under state or federal law. I clearly emphasized to Mr. Davis that he would have to wait until the report was released to the public to fully evaluate and understand the findings contained in the report.
Second, Mr. Davis incorrectly wrote, “…some officials did not cooperate with his probe into allegations.” My statement was quoted correctly later, “…There were some limitations because some parties wouldn’t cooperate.” Stating that “officials” did not cooperate with the probe is totally inaccurate. Using the word “officials” clearly implies that members of the Airport Authority Board and staff did not cooperate, which could not be further from the truth. The Airport Authority Board Members and staff cooperated without exception to my request for interviews and documentation in a complete, open, professional and timely manner.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Davis has not provided straightforward and accurate reporting. His reporting is disappointing and is a disservice to your readers by not providing accurate facts.
The writer is chief auditor, airport authority.