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Unraveling the Truth

“Twisting the Facts” [Oct. 12 letter by Nicole Penta] has evolved into unraveling the truth. I did call for a forensic audit on Sept. 7 and ironically the interim superintendent of schools called for the exact same audit of the Board of Education (BOE) on Oct. 5.

Town Finance Director Paul Rizza was coincidently once the finance liaison to the Board of Education as well, a part-time position that paid $58,000 a year. According to the March 7 Town Council minutes, Rizza stated to the Town Council that during the questionable BOE over-expenditure of more than $900,000 (which Rizza agreed was indeed created by [since-resigned BOE Business Manager James] Farrell) that he signed off on the answers for the BOE and the Town of East Haven on an annual audit questionnaire. If Rizza signed off on these answers stating no wrongdoings, then why would the town agree to foot a hefty bill for a second audit of the BOE books if we now know there were clear wrongdoings? Or is a possible cover-up unraveling because Rizza had a dual role or better yet were they concerned about the news of an investigation against Farrell, who was just charged with many severe violations against Connecticut General Statues from the Banking Commissioner that resulted in removing Farrell from any banking position?

Rizza informed Town Council members that the second BOE audit was being performed by an independent firm; the audit was indeed performed by the same auditor, Joseph Centofanti, who just happened to change accounting firms. Centofanti has done the municipal audits for many years for the town and BOE. Each day it is more evident that the entire town needs a forensic audit.

Dominic Milano

East Haven

Dominic Milano is a Democratic candidate for Board of Education.