BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Nearly a month after the story broke, the investigation into former State Police Sgt. Jim Deeghan is still in progress. It's alleged that he racked up an impossibly high amount of overtime last year, in the neighborhood of $60,000, and covered his tracks by keeping two sets of time sheets.
Tuesday, Republican State Sen. Vince Illuzzi, a candidate for state auditor, released a three point plan to prevent future cases like Deeghan's. "There's no question that it's an isolated incident," said Illuzzi, "but what the case points out is that the safeguards are not in place across state government."
The plan calls for:
- Developing a strong system of checks and balances preventing employee time sheets from being rubber-stamped.
- Requiring written authorization for verifiable O.T. hours - or verbal okay in emergency circumstances.
- Ensuring that agency vehicles, cell phones and other equipment are used solely for official business.
Democrat-Progressive Doug Hoffer is also hoping to win the seat soon to be vacated by current Auditor Tom Salmon. "I was a little surprised," said Hoffer of Illuzzi's release Tuesday, "because most of the core elements of his suggestions are already contained in state human resource policy manuals."
Hoffer said while good ideas, points one and two are already covered. He argues that the third also has merit but is unconnected to the alleged O.T. scandal. "People above supervisors, agencies and department secretaries and commissioners for the first part, have to make it clear to the folks below them that these existing policies have to be enforced," he said.
Illuzzi said he based his points on effective policies elsewhere and on conversations he's had with Vermont officials including the current auditor. "This builds on the good work that (Tom Salmon) and previous auditors have done," he said.
"It deserves a thorough review," said Hoffer of payment policies, "and Vermonters can expect that from me."
Both candidates say they're committed to preventing a repeat case.
Illuzzi did point out that not all overtime is bad. Though O.T. hours are more expensive than regular-time he says they can help the state save on additional benefits cost when used properly.
Sen. Vince Illuzzi
Doug Hoffer
