Express-News Editorial Board
City inspector probe merits Council scrutiny
When people think of misconduct in city government, it's understandable that they would picture members of City Council trading votes for cash. City Hall endured a bribery scandal of that sort in the last decade. It did much to erode public trust in city government.

Misconduct by rank-and-file city employees is far less conspicuous than misconduct by city leaders. But it can be every bit as destructive to public confidence. When it involves the enforcement of city codes, it can pose even greater dangers to public safety.

A case in point is the ongoing San Antonio Police Department investigation of four city building inspectors accused of taking bribes from contractors in exchange for approval of work they never actually inspected. WOAI-TV uncovered the criminal investigation.

The Express-News reported City Manager Sheryl Sculley sent an e-mail to City Council members alerting them about the investigation. “The city takes complaints and allegations of wrongdoing or unethical conduct by employees very seriously and follows up with appropriate action and discipline,” she wrote.

Sculley's concern is appropriate. City Council should monitor the investigation's progress closely. The taint of impropriety can't be allowed to mar city government. Enforcement of the city's building code shouldn't be up for sale.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/City_inspector_probe_merits_Council_scrutiny.html