Here we go again, SANDAG is once again mismanaging taxpayer dollars.

Last week, an internal audit was released that found multiple issues with the way SANDAG manages and processes contracts with outside vendors. Key takeaways include a disproportionate preference to certain vendors, with some contractors receiving up to 700% more than initially awarded. One vendor received a $64 million increase from the original contract.

This follows a trend of out-of-control misspending from SANDAG. Earlier this year, an audit found that over the past four years of credit card purchases, SANDAG spent over $2,485,001 of taxpayer dollars on their procurement card. This included nearly $70,000 spent at local restaurants and $250,000 spent on non-working days.

For those of you unfamiliar with SANDAG, they’re the regional transportation agency. They’re in charge of funding and projects for freeways and public transportation. They’re currently working on a $165 billion transportation plan, but are going to need to come back to the taxpayers in order to fund that project. 

SANDAG needs to get its own house in order before they come back to the taxpayers with its hand out. We should not be on the hook for any more of SANDAG’s lavish spending.  

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
http://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/