[TheRealVille]

FRANKFORT — State Agriculture Commissioner James Comer confirmed Wednesday morning that he has asked the state auditor to look into several problems that have surfaced at the agriculture department.

Comer said that employees have come forward with several potentially troubling allegations involving the administration of his predecessor, Richie Farmer.

"The only issues that have caused concern are time sheets, travel vouchers and (state credit card) purchases," Comer said.

Asked if anything is missing, Comer said, "We have some inventory we're trying to get in."

He also confirmed there were allegations of employees on the books who did not show up for work.

Comer will announce the audit at a joint press conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday with new state Auditor Adam Edelen. Comer said his office met with Edelen's two days ago and determined the audit was the best way to go.

"We're going to request that the auditor of public accounts come in and do a sweeping review of the department," Comer said. "We're going to start with a clean slate."

Comer said he hopes an audit can be completed within 60 days but said it will be up to the auditor. Asked if anything might rise to the level of criminal fraud, Comer said: "I don't think so. I hope not."

Comer said he has not spoken with Farmer, who was the running mate for Republican Senate President David Williams' unsuccessful bid for governor. Comer said he assumes Farmer will cooperate with the investigation.

Comer spoke with the House Agriculture and Small Business committee Wednesday morning to reiterate his desire to work with his former colleagues in the legislator to protect the department's $29 million budget even as Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, prepares to slash spending again.

One of Comer's first actions involved firing Farmer's girlfriend, Stephanie Sandmann, who began working at the department in the final days of the campaign.

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/01/11/20243...tment.html

[TheRealVille]

Pretty much standard procedure when one person takes over another's office, as far as I can tell.

[TheRealVille]

It looks like a few items may be under scrutiny.

"The only issues that have caused concern are time sheets, travel vouchers and (state credit card) purchases," Comer said.

Asked if anything is missing, Comer said, "We have some inventory we're trying to get in."

He also confirmed there were allegations of employees on the books who did not show up for work.

[vundy33]

He played for UK! This is blasphemy!