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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Sacramento Press / Johnson critics raise concerns about consulting firm, audit

Sacramento Press / Johnson critics raise concerns about consulting firm, audit

Johnson critics raise concerns about consulting firm, audit

Critics of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson are raising concerns over a consulting firm’s ability to conduct an objective audit of the Community Development Department. But City Auditor Jorge Oseguera said Tuesday that Sacramento firm Sjoberg Evashenk Consulting Inc. does not have a conflict of interest.
Oseguera will ask the City Council on Thursday to hire Sjoberg to conduct the audit. Some of Johnson’s critics pointed out in comments on The Sacramento Press that Sjoberg has worked with the law group Bell, McAndrews and Hiltachk. That group's managing partner, Thomas Hiltachk, wrote the strong mayor initiative.
Johnson would have obtained more authority from the initiative, which was struck down by Sacramento County Superior Court in January.
In their comments, Johnson critics Marion Millin and Rhonda Erwin urged residents to ask their representatives on the City Council to reject Sjoberg for the auditing job.
“I sent my letter to my council member and I also sent it to additional council members,” wrote community activist Erwin. “I've asked each to read — in full — your comments and how a vote for this firm for the CDD Au