Carroll County Commissioner Robin Frazier, responding to publication of county commissioner and employee mileage expense records, said that she has made "appropriate and cost effective choices" in her transportation decisions.
Patch blogger and a founder of the citizens group Citizens United for Carroll County (which is now known as Carroll County Watchdog) questioned travel expenses submitted by Frazier in a recent blog post. He supplied copies of reimbursement forms and checks that he obtained from the county through the Public Information Act.
In an email to Patch, Frazier defended her choices to use her personal car versus a county car and to seek reimbursement for mileage to county functions.
"It is true this board voted to eliminate our per diem as we lead by example and given the fact we cut most director's salaries by five percent," Frazier said. "I do not get mileage for driving to and from work, however there are many days I drive home from work and then back to Westminster for an evening meeting."
Frazier said that county cars should not be used for personal business.
"I do not think county cars should be used for personal use," Frazier said. "It is very rare that I am not picking someone up or stopping by a meeting for which I sit on the board, running to the store, catching part of a volleyball game..."
According to Frazier, the cost is essentially the same to the county whether she uses her personal vehicle or a county vehicle.
"If 45 cents covers fuel and wear and tear on the car, and that's less than what I was given per mile in the private sector by the way, the cost to the county is the same whether I drive my car or the county pool car," Frazier said. "Except when I drive my car I am not actually wearing out the county's inventory."
"I believe my choice regarding transportation to and from county related business is the most appropriate and cost effective choice," Frazier said.
"Mrs. Gouge has earned herself the reputation of being a big spender. Each and every voter should be informed of the following: In 1988 the three commissioners turned in expense accounts as follows: John Armacost -- $763.50; Jeff Griffith -- $821.25; Julia Gouge -- $3,574.58. In 1989: John Armacost -- $2,609.91; Jeff Griffith -- $1,674.65; Julia Gouge -- $3,843.84. In 1990: John Armacost -- $157.87; Jeff Griffith -- $1,243.06; Julia Gouge -- $2,961.81." "Big Spender" Gouge's expenses for the entire year of 1990, adjusted for inflation, were ~$5200. I was unable to find the annual salary for 1990 but in 1989 it was $22K.
I can bet she (or any of the commissioners have done this).
Trust us, we have governing principles. Trust us, we dislike government as much as you do. Trust us, we hate the same people you do. Trust us, we'll show Annapolis. Trust us, we'll show those fuzzy-headed liberals. Like Ronald Reagan told the Soviets, "Trust, but verify." An internal auditor would have verified Fraizer's over charging rate of 45 cents per mile. An internal auditor would have verified Fraizer's over charging in going from home back to Westminster. An internal auditor would have stopped this back in January.
4:29pm on Thursday, November 3, 2011 I heard that EVERYONE at the county is looking at this today and is DIGUSTED!! This is a slap in the face for so many of us. Especially commssioner Frasier who oughta be ashamed.
So I reiterate what I SAID: 'You 'heard'? I for one detest gossips.' @ Fried: look in a mirror lately?