Auditor General to audit the parking authority
The state auditor general is launching an audit of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, following the resignation of its executive director over two sexual-harassment scandals.
The state auditor general is launching an audit of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, following the resignation of its executive director over two sexual-harassment scandals.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale sent a notice to the authority on Monday that he plans to investigate its employment policies and procedures, including how it handles sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
"Our initial audit will bring some much-needed transparency and openness that will benefit the entire Philadelphia region," DePasquale said in a statement.
The auditor general said he was launching the audit in light of comments last week by a spokesman for the authority welcoming such an investigation.
Last week, spokesman Martin O'Rourke said: "The books are open; they're audited every year by an outside firm. If people want to do an audit, they're welcome to do an audit."
On Monday, PPA Chairman Joseph T. Ashdale, in a statement, said, "The PPA will fully cooperate with the auditor general's audit."
Under state rules, the auditor general may audit the Parking Authority if the authority gives permission or the attorney general orders the auditor to do so.
The authority's sexual harassment policies are the "initial objective" of the audit, Susan Woods, spokeswoman for the auditor general, said.
A more comprehensive audit that would include looking at the authority's books would have to be approved by the Attorney General's Office, Woods said.
"We are willing to do an even more comprehensive audit focused on the authority's finances if given a go-ahead by the Attorney General's Office," DePasquale said in the statement.
The PPA's sexual harassment policy, which dates to June 2006, lists seven examples of what "may constitute sexual harassment." Those include "promising preferential treatment or advancement in return for sexual favors"; "unwanted and unnecessary physical contact"; and "sexually offensive remarks."
The policy, which is just over one page, states that violations "may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination."
O'Rourke said the PPA board was working on revisions to the policy.
Vincent J. Fenerty Jr., 60, resigned from his $223,000-a-year job last week, a day before he expected to be fired. Fenerty was accused of sexually harassing two coworkers, one in the mid-2000s and another around 2014.
On Monday, Fenerty also resigned from his unpaid position on the Board of Directors of City Trusts. He called the chairman, Ron Donatucci, and told him he had resigned effective Friday.
"He is also submitting a letter to that effect," said Kevin Feeley, spokesman for the board, which manages millions of dollars left in trust to the city. The board administers more than 100 trusts, including the Stephen Girard Estate, which supports Girard College, and the James Wills Jr. fund, which supports Wills Eye Hospital.
Fenerty remains a ward leader and secretary for the Republican City Committee.
"No one has submitted any petitions" to remove him, Joe DeFelice, chairman of the Republican City Committee, said Monday.
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