The former auditor general should be audited

It’s so easy to make rash judgments or jump to conclusions based on early evidence or little evidence, isn’t it? Sometimes we just want to cast that stone because all too often in the political world we have seen this scenario unwrap before and one just gets tired of it.

“Here we go again” seems to be the norm for any political party once they have control of government. It’s almost as if they have some inalienable right to do whatever they please without accountability to anyone. After all, it’s politics, should we really expect more?

Take, for example, the case that is currently being played out in the media.

It’s the case of former auditor general John Noseworthy. As our former auditor general, it can be said he was certainly at the top of his game.

He came across as clean-cut, forthright, honest and trustworthy.

During his years as auditor general, he established a reputation as a meticulous worker dedicated to objectivity and to making the public aware of how and where public moneys were being spent.

He was so thorough that he scared some MHAs into retirement while others were swept off to the Lakeshore Hotel for a little rest and relaxation. Was he too good to be true? Some would say yes.

Maybe some people are truly disappointed with the path he took. It started with him shocking the general public by running as a candidate for the Conser- vatives in the last provincial election. He was also pursued by the Liberals but swept them away like he swept some honourable gentlemen out of office. He didn’t make the grade as an electable candidate and lost. He just didn’t come across to the public in the same way he had as an auditor general Perhaps his skills are best met as an administrative consultant rather than as a human relations consultant.

Here is the part where we have the oft-used “here we go again,” meaning something is not quite right on Confederation Hill. Noseworthy was hired by the governing Conservatives as a consultant to the minister of advanced education and skills. Isn’t it interesting that Mr. Noseworthy was hired for his “unique skills” at up to $150,000 for nine months’ work?

Not bad if you can get it. Here is a man who dug deep into the fractions to get those who cheated the public purse and to do justice where necessary. Is the shoe now on the other foot? Some would say that Mr. Noseworthy’s reputation has been tainted, that he is no different than any other person who pursued the same path with previous administrations.

Is there a need for justice here? Maybe, maybe not. These things usually play out with nothing being done. It’s the blow-over effect.

Why does it continue to be done? Because it can be done.

As long as we have politicians and governments who believe there needs to be little or no accountability on their part, this navigating of rules and regula- tions will continue to be the norm for any political party that controls the government treasury.

Where would any government be without its patronage and porkbarreling perks for those who do extraordinary work for their party of choice?

Even though they all do it, that certainly doesn’t make it right. And it will happen again and again.

Maybe our new auditor general should challenge the government on following the guidelines, rules and regulations as set down by its policymakers and lawmakers.

Let it be known that politicians will be accountable for their actions and that penalties will be enforced for those who think they are untouchable simply because they are members of government.

No one is above the law.