The Nebraska Watchdog reports more problems for Rep. Brad Ashford (D-NE) during his time at OHA. Ashford served on OHA’s board of directors from 1996 to
2001 and was CEO from 2002 to 2006. A 2006 audit, that covered 2003 to late 2005 found that:
“OHA didn’t follow HUD’s requirements or its own requirements in buying $1.9 million worth of goods and services. Among the ineligible items paid for: Internet services, Halloween items, a football banquet and cheerleading uniforms. Auditors said OHA failed to save at least $970,000 on the purchase of $1.9 million in goods and services – which could have been used to help tenants and rental programs.”
Earlier problems during Ashford’s tenure at OHA have also come to light. A 1999 audit uncovered that OHA
“‘Did not maintain an effective control environment,’ lacked adequate cash controls, didn’t follow procurement regulations, didn’t properly administer its Section 8 program and used over a million dollars in federal funds to pay for ineligible expenses.”
Clearly, Ashford’s leadership at OHA is filled with reckless spending and questionable ethics.