Memphis government watchdog Saino dies
Joe Saino, the local government watchdog who pushed for transparency and fiscal responsibility, died Friday in Memphis, his family confirmed.
Saino, 86, most recently ran Memphisshelbyinform.com. Saino’s website was on the lookout for “government waste and abuse,” conflicts of interest and government contracts not awarded to the “lowest and best bidder.”
“Citizens must feel that their tax money is being spent fairly and efficiently and that they are getting value in their public services. Nobody wants to live in a
city that is perceived to be poorly managed and fiscally irresponsible,” Saino said in 2007, the year he ran for Memphis City Council.
Saino and his brother Felix owned F.L. Saino Manufacturing Company from 1956 to 1993, after which Saino retired.
“He was not a man to retire,” said Claire Saino, his wife. “He kept on being so active, so interested in everything.”
Saino remained a vocal citizen late into his life, writing his thoughts on various local government topics and filing a hefty share of Freedom of Information Act requests to unearth records.
In a July post, he detailed an open records request he sent to the city of Memphis on how much it had been recycling.
Saino also sustained heightened concern over the city of Memphis’ pension plan obligations and local education, saying he welcomed competition from charter schools.
“He had, just naturally, a big voice,” said Elaine Gumbert, Saino’s daughter. “… But he used that big voice to be a voice for all of us seeking justice and seeking fiscal responsibility in the city.”
Gumbert attributed Saino’s post-retirement drive to a passion for learning and a love for Memphis.
“He wanted it to be the best city it could be,” she said.
Funeral arrangements for Saino are pending.