As mentioned earlier, Norfolk council member Andy Protogyrou requested the city conduct an inquiry into the city’s “interface” with Hampton Roads Transit. A copy of the memo, provided to me by Protogyrou, is below the fold.
In a telephone call this morning, Protogyrou emphasized why he believes such an investigation is necessary. An attorney, Protogyrou raised the issue of the standards for criminal versus civil convictions. Criminal convictions require evidence beyond a reasonable doubt whereas civil only require a preponderance of the evidence. The other investigation that may or may not take place, including those by the Federal investigators and the state Attorney General, may very well be criminal investigations and may take a very long time. Such investigations are not limited and may go beyond just what happened regarding the relationship between the city and HRT.
Protogyrou also told me that his goal is to try to identify what may have gone wrong in this process and how to avoid such mishaps in the future. Such after action reviews are pretty standard fare n the business community, and it seems appropriate in this case as well. As he pointed out, there will be other major construction projects coming – the new courthouse is on the drawing board – and it is critical that council learn whatever lessons cane learned from this endeavor.
“I’m interested in good government,” Protogyrou told me.
So are we all, Andy.
And although I have my doubts about anything of consequence coming from such a review – primarily because the City Auditor is appointed by council – I guess it’s worth a shot.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
As I said in a Pilot post yesterday, I appreciate Andy’s making this request. I am concerned about the City Auditor being the investigator.
I am sure John Sanderlin would do his best to do the right thing in an investigation. But an employee should never be given the job of investigating his boss(es), in my humble opinion. It would leave whatever conclusions drawn questionable. If no wrongdoing found, would the question be that he caved to his bosses pressure. If wrongdoing found, is this a vendetta.
Perception is reality.
That is my concern as well. Although we don’t have any money, I’d much prefer such a review come from the outside.