SHELLEY IN TROUBLE vs

LAST WEEK STATE AUDITORS RELEASED A STINGING REPORT ON THE CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE'S HANDLING OF SOME FEDERAL FUNDS. THE AUDITORS ALLEGED SECRETARY OF STATE KEVIN SHELLEY POORLY MANAGED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS RECEIVED FROM THE "HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT" . AUDITORS SAID THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE AVOIDED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR SERVICES, PAID CONSULTANTS FOR WORK THAT HAD LITTLE TO DO WITH THE FUND'S MISSION, AND FAILED TO FULFILL MUCH OF THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MODERNIZE VOTING SYSTEMS. THE NEW CHAIR OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE (ASSEMBLY-MEMBER NICOLE PARA) SAYS SHE WILL BE HOLDING MEETINGS ON THE MATTER IN JANUARY. IF THE ALLEGATIONS PROVE TRUE, THE STATE MAY HAVE TO REIMBURSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.