New “Error” Endorses
Brett Miller's Qualifications
November 5, 2005

toased Heidi So the the Lancaster New Era endorsed Brett Miller for East Hempfield Township Supervisor! Of all the races in Lancaster County – the New Era choose to endorse in this race? As normal, 5thEstate.com gives the rest of the story! Notice that the endorsement came the same day what should have been a VERY unflattering story for Miller. Instead, the endorsement takes a shot at Heidi "The Maverick" Wheaton!

Wheaton, despite the protests of Chairman Susan Bernhardt and the other supervisors, led the other supervisors "kicking and screaming" to endorse the "forensic" audits for 2004 and 2005. So what does the New Era do? They endorse Miller, who, as auditor, was the subject of an extensive memo from the township solicitor which details the laws that Miller broke!

The endorsement came on the Thursday November 3, the same day that they printed a “news” story entitled, “E. Hempfield board OKs forensic audit “.

The story contained this paragraph: “The stormy session, the second in two weeks, came in the wake of two recent financial concerns: Money is missing from the township-owned golf course in Landisville and no audit was done for the township last year. ”

Dale's letter It would have been nice if the story explained that Brett Miller was at the very heart of the storm! Miller, an elected Township Auditor is responsible for ensuring that the books are audited and that they are filed with various government entities. The problem? It wasn't done! Further more, Miller the report that was turned in to various government entities was signed and was in fact bogus!

Before looking closer at the township's problem, let's examine the newspapers problems! First off – just where do these reporters get their information? Or better, do they check it before publishing? Here's what the crack New Era reporter said about Gary Kline, the former township money-man:

“The supervisors also decided Wednesday not to bring back Kline, who left recently for a post in private industry, to assist township staff members in preparing next year's budget.”

Private industry? Gary Kline took a position of Camp Hill Borough Manager – and get this – was hired because of his expertise in finance!

Next, the newspaper spiked the real story!

Here is what the Solicitor said about Kline's efforts:

From my conversation with Gary, it is clear that he misunderstood or was unaware of the specific audit requirements included in the code, particularly the timing requirements and the relative responsibilities of the appointed CPA and the Board of Auditors. He viewed the report of township finances, which was to be filed in March, to be separate from the audit. He seemed unaware that the Board of Auditors, in the absence of an appointed CPA, would be responsible for the audit. He gave no reason for the time it took to prepare a recommendation for the appointment of the CPA other than that he interviewed representatives of at least six firms and tentatively worked out a scope of services with them before preparing an RFP.

Susan's letter And what did East Hempfield Township Manager George Marcinko want to do with the fact that Kline failed to file the proper reports and created a bogus audit? Macinko wanted to hire Kline part-time to help finish the job he failed to complete on time! And what about the Miller? "They (the auditors) clearly had no hint that they were expected to perform the audit."

Miller did not expect to perform the audit!? Apparently, Miller failed to read the very short section of the Township Code which described his duties. Click to read township code

The solicitor goes on:

Brett Miller was unable to do so at the time requested so Gary took the report to Brett at Brett’s place of employment at Warwick High School where he had Brett sign the report. Brett indicated that he was surprised by the extent of the report and asked for some explanation of its purpose and preparation.

Miller and Kline failed to file the audit as required by law. Click to read entire memo including the detail of the laws ignored! What's the New Era say about this revelation? Spike the story and promote Miller to Supervisor!