A New Westminster city councillor has no qualms about opening the city's books to the new auditor general for local government.
The provincial government has named Basia Ruta as B.C.'s first auditor general for local government. The auditor general for local government will conduct performance audits of local government services and provide recommendations about how to find efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of operations.
"I would be perfectly comfortable with this particular position looking at any projects New Westminster has been involved in," said Coun. Jonathan Cote. "The city has clearly documented all the actions it has taken."
Some local critics have suggested that the auditor general for local government would be an appropriate position to review the city's decision to build an office tower above the future civic centre on Columbia Street.
Cote said he has "no problem" with the new auditor general for local government looking at the city's financial endeavours.
"I don't think this position should be turned into a political tool," he added. "It should be a function that assists and helps municipalities."
According to a press release from the provincial government, the auditor general for local government will make non-binding recommendations based on performance audits and publicize best practices adopted by local governments. The role is not meant to question the merits of policy decisions or objectives of local governments.
Ruta, who is currently a federal civic servant in Ontario, will start her job in January 2013.
The press release states that Ruta is a chartered accountant who has extensive experience working for the federal Office of the Auditor General, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and as Environment Canada's chief financial officer.
"We look forward to a constructive working relationship with Ms. Ruta," said Mary Sjostrom, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities and mayor of the City of Quesnel.
