Auditor’s son terminated by parks, rec 12 years ago

The internal auditor who recently completed an audit of the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department has a son who was terminated by that department more than 12 years ago.

John Redmond performed the audit that raised questions about the operation and spending practices of the department. His son, John D. Redmond, and daughter, Brandi Redmond, both have worked for the department, according to city records.

On Feb. 17, 1998, John D. Redmond was dismissed from his job as a district supervisor of community schools, according to Human Resources Director Tom Barron. Brandi Redmond left her job as a finance manager for the community schools division on Oct. 16, 2003, Barron said.

Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington ordered the audit last year, and it was completed in late May. After the findings were made public, Wetherington asked the Columbus Police Department to investigate the Parks and Recreation Department.

The mayor said he did not know that Redmond’s children had worked for the department.

“I don’t like that, and I told John he should have been straightforward with me that his kids worked for Parks and Recreation,” Wetherington said Thursday afternoon.

Asked if it taints the audit, Wetherington responded, “I don’t think so.”

Redmond said it was not a factor in his audit findings.

“He’s been gone 12 and a half years, I haven’t given it any thoughts,” Redmond said.

Asked for records about the younger Redmond’s dismissal Thursday afternoon, Barron said those records had been destroyed, which is common practice after seven years.

Later Thursday, Wetherington had a copy of a Feb. 17, 1998, letter to the younger Redmond. It came from Becky Glisson, finance manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, Wetherington said.

According to the letter, John D. Redmond, who now lives in Gray, Ga., was terminated for the following reasons:

Ÿ Willfully making false statements to supervisors and officials

Ÿ Violation of city ordinances, administrative regulations or departmental rules

Ÿ Any disgraceful conduct, which reflects unfavorably on the city as an employer

At the time of the younger Redmond’s dismissal, Richard Bishop was director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Bishop, now president of Uptown Columbus Inc. and the Uptown Business Improvement District, said Thursday he did not remember the details of the personnel matter.

The letter from Stephanie L. Thomas, then community schools division manager, stated Redmond met with Bishop and Thomas and admitted to falsifying documents and “force balancing” a deposit.

The Courier, a Columbus newspaper that calls itself “the voice of the minority community,” reported in this week’s edition that Redmond’s children had worked for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Parks and Recreation Director Tony Adams is being represented by criminal defense attorney Stacey Jackson.

“I know people are trying to discredit this audit,” Wetherington said. “I think it stands on its own. It was a good audit.”

Adams has until Tuesday to respond to the audit. He was given that deadline by City Manager Isaiah Hugley, who has been critical of the audit process because the Ledger-Enquirer obtained a copy before Adams had a chance to review it or respond.

Asked Thursday about Redmond’s children, Hugley responded, “I am not going to comment on that.”

This story was originally published June 4, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Auditor’s son terminated by parks, rec 12 years ago."