Richmond City Council
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Monday, 25 November 2024
Richmond City Council Statement regarding
Investigation of City of Richmond, Office
of Elections
(Richmond,
Virginia U.S.A. 11.25.2024) – “The Richmond City Council Office of Inspector
General completed and released a thorough investigation today of allegations
regarding the abuse of government resources by Keith Balmer, Director of
Elections/General Registrar for the City of Richmond, and the City of Richmond
Office of Elections.
Richmond City Council strives to ensure that
taxpayer resources are used in an efficient and effective manner. The Richmond
Office of Inspector General’s findings of the use of public resources in the Richmond
Office of Elections raises serious concerns.
Per state law,
the General Registrar and Office of Elections report to the Richmond Electoral
Board, rather than the City. Further, state law vests all authority for
accountability and oversight related to the Office of Elections with the
Richmond Electoral Board.
Therefore, now
that the report documenting these abuses has been made public, Richmond City
Council is asking the Commonwealth of Virginia - Richmond Electoral Board to
thoroughly review and respond to the findings.
In doing so,
the Board must take on their direct oversight responsibility of the Director of
Elections/General Registrar in order to maintain trust in the electoral system.
Richmond City
Council thanks and extends its support and recognition of Inspector General James
Osuna for his rigor and dedication in conducting this investigation.”
Background
Mission of
Office of Inspector General
To detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, and to promote
economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the programs and operations of the
City of Richmond Government through independent and objective investigations,
inspections, and assistance. Values – Integrity, Excellence, Accountability
CONTACT/INFORMATION
- For
more information regarding the Richmond City Council Office of Inspector investigation,
please contact Jim Osuna, Inspector General, Richmond City Council Office
of Inspector General: 804.646.1840 (tel); james.osuna@rva.gov (email)
- E N D -
Richmond
City Council - Richmond City Hall - 900 East Broad Street, Suite 300 -
Richmond, Virginia 23219 U.S.A. - rva.gov/richmond-city-council
