Wayne County inspectors general donated to Robert Ficano's re-election campaigns
The two people Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has hired to be independent watchdogs over county government have contributed more than $12,000 to Ficano's campaign accounts since he took office in 2003, records show. Other county officials say the political donations do not compromise the objectivity of the county inspector general, an at-will employee of the executive.
But one prominent watchdog says such contributions could be a problem for potential whistle-blowers, raising trust issues.
"Perception is just so important," said former Detroit Auditor General Joe Harris, who added that he regrets the only campaign contribution he made during his tenure as Detroit's top watchdog from 1995 to 2005.
Harris, who is now the emergency manager in Benton Harbor, said Tuesday that auditors and inspectors general should not make campaign contributions.
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