OUR VIEW: Say 'no' to Paige's audit request (vote in poll)

We don’t need an audit of the Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Corp. Councilman Sean Paige suggested a city audit, saying he wants a better understanding of how the city’s funds are used. In an e-mail to The Gazette, Paige said he does not suspect misuse of funds.

The organization’s records are independently audited annually; Paige and City Auditor Denny Nester have the results. That should serve as adequate oversight for an organization even Paige does not suspect of malfeasance.

(Please vote in poll to the right in red type. Must vote to see results. Thanks!)

The EDC received $70,000 from the city last year, and $192,000 from Colorado Springs Utilities. EDC officials claim they attracted 13 employers last year that expect to create 2,046 jobs by 2014 and generate $81.7 million for the local economy. A 2007 study determined the city receives $11 in tax revenue for every dollar it gives the EDC.

Colorado Springs has suffered the wrath of a national media campaign to malign its conservative fiscal policies. To outsiders, this thriving city has an image that better suits Detroit — a city taxed into poverty and blight. The last thing we should do, at a time like this, is spend money impeding the efforts of an organization dedicated to promoting truth about the benefits of Colorado Springs. Councilman Paige, let it go.

- Wayne Laugesen , editorial page editor, for the editorial board. Friend him on Facebook