April 08, 2010
-
News: Town President Losses Credit Card Privileges
One misguided president can wreck it for all to follow. The town of Princess Anne, Maryland seized the town's credit card from its President, Frank White. White racked up over $10,000 including over $1,900 of dining. There was little or no documentation to support most of the dining as well as other expenses. Because of White's abusive credit card spending, the town commissioners cancel the card issued to him. Going forward, White will be required to pay all expenses out of his own pocket and submit documentation for reimbursement. White had been given access to the credit card when the former Town Manager, Jay Parker resigned February 11th. In a matter of two months, White was able to nearly max the card out.
During the commissioners' meeting, it was agreed that they would not penalize the interim town manager, Brenda Benton but rather will open up a new credit card for her use. Additionally, the commissioners agreed not to act on the policy that would allow each of them to be issued a town credit card and to use the long-standing policy that makes the town manager responsible for purchases. According to Garland Hayward, Vice President of the Commissioners said that they had polled the commissioners prior to meeting to get their opinions in view of the fact that two would be absent.
White himself who had missed the town meetings over the past month, was in attendance. He had no comment about the commissioners' actions; however, Town Commissioner Dennis Williams voiced his support of the action saying it was "appropriate" and in line with other communities. A report released by the town's attorney, Mark Tilghman whose firm investigated the abusive spending activities said that White's credit card spending complaint was unfounded. A town's citizen's group who had asked for White's resignation had asked Mr. Tilghman to look into the matter.