KHOU-11’s News Blog reports an interesting little thing that was discovered during the Bonusgate investigation and how it’s now been shut down:
Houston City Controller shuts down 11 special bank accounts set up by councilmembers and routed through the city’s books.
Houston City Controller Annise Parker has shut down 11 special bank accounts set up by several councilmembers.
Parker says she closed the accounts in order to prevent any inadvertent violations of campaign finance laws or city laws.
The accounts, which were discovered during the mayor pro tem bonus scandal investigation, were set up to raise donations for community events.
They were operated as non-profits under the control of individual council members.
KEVIN WHITED ADDS: Let’s see, today is April 25.
Here is what the Chronicle editorial board wrote about the matter on March 8:
The district attorney is deciding whether to charge the four city employees. With both Mayor White and Councilwoman Alvarado providing full cooperation, the investigation of City Hall’s bonusgate should be quickly put behind us.
It’s a good thing nobody in town pays much attention to the Chronicle editorial board and the investigation continues. Otherwise, who knows how many “inadvertent” abuses might have occurred?
UPDATE (04-26-2006): KHOU posts a news report, as does the Chronicle.
