“The OIG has determined that the contents of this report would not be appropriate for public disclosure and has therefore limited its distribution to selected officials.” – Office of the Inspector General, HUD
A report that the IG of the Department of Housing and Urban Development found discrepancies during a financial statements audit wasn’t too surprising as HUD has been found not in compliance before. The recent findings, however, were particularly interesting because of its head, Julian Castro.
Julian Castro’s problems at HUD could blunt his chances to be named Hillary Clinton’s running mate, but they would make a good pair. (latimes.com)
During my residence in the San Antonio area, the San Antonio Express-News continuously promoted Mayor Castro as one of the nation’s up and coming Latinos; a rising star. Much was made of his roots with a grandmother who came from Mexico. Hardly a day went by that his picture wasn’t featured. He was said to be on the short list to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate.
Even with his troubles at HUD, an Express-News article headlined, “Under attack, Castro keeps luster,” refererd to him as Teflon protected.
President Obama called him a “proven leader” and nominated him to be Secretary of HUD and he was confirmed by a 71-26 vote in the Senate, but not before the City of San Antonio had to correct (white wash) problems to avoid a HUD IG investigation on how it spent $8.6 million in HUD program dollars in 2008 that included non-competitive bidding while Castro was mayor.
In August, the Washington Post reported that more than 25,000 families with excessive income were living in public housing, an egregious abuse of government-subsidized housing, citing families with $500,000 salaries and assets worth $1.6 million.
Evict them, you say. But in big government fashion, they will not be evicted, and will be permitted to stay as long as they are good tenants. “There are positive social benefits from having families with varying income levels in the same property,” said Castro’s deputy assistant secretary Milan Ozdinee, casually rebutting the charges.
Last month, the IG noted that the HUD audit report contained nine material weaknesses, eight significant deficiencies in internal controls, and six instances of noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.
And so it goes. Corruption in still another Obama administration department.
