Council Calls for Parks Contracts Audit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - There was a call Thursday for an independent audit of contracting and procurement irregularities by the Fenty Administration Parks Department.

At-large council member Michael Brown has sent a letter to D.C. Auditor Deborah Nichols asking for an outside audit of contracts totaling anywhere from $86 million to $170 million. The letter says it appears the channeling of the funds circumvented council oversight, that the money was transferred without following appropriate reprogramming policies, and that the funds were awarded to firms with direct ties to the mayor.

Also, the special D.C. Council Committee issued a subpoena commanding the presence of Interim Parks Director Ximena Hartsock-- who ignored a request to appear before today's council hearing. The subpoena commands her presence at a hearing November 16.