Another example came when an examiner who worked at a university passed an applicant who couldn’t stay in a lane and tried to turn through a crosswalk while a pedestrian was present. The applicant would have made the turn had the examiner not intervened. The unqualified applicant’s passing grade was overturned by the inspector. Accountability Legislators in Arizona are term-limited to eight years. However, in the past, sunset reviews for state agencies only happened every eight to 10 years. Following last month’s hearing, Martinez questioned the wisdom of such a system. “How do we hold them accountable if their next audit happens after we’re out of office?” Martinez asked after the meeting. “Nope. Not going to happen. I want to be able to hold their feet to the fire.” At the end of the hearing, the committee agreed to suggest a term of four to six years before the next audit occurs. The final number will be determined in a bill written during this year’s legislative session. Most Democrats backed allowing six to eight years while Republicans wanted another audit in two to four years. The ADOT director position is one that’s nominated by the governor and approved by the Arizona Senate. Director Jennifer Toth took office Jan. 30, 2023, during the middle of the sunset review, taking over for outgoing Director John Halikowski. Toth did not discuss the audit during a speaking event in Maricopa last month. State House Rep. Keith Seaman, a Democrat who represents Maricopa along with Martinez, suggested six years before the next audit. “I’ve found Director Toth to be responsive when I’ve had a question about projects in my district,” Seaman said. “I think the department has a lot of improvements to make and it’ll get there with her leadership.” Martinez agreed with Seaman but recognizes the challenges of turning around a large bureaucracy like ADOT. “I’ve had really good interactions with the director,” Martinez said. “I’ve found her to be transparent and responsive. I acknowledge that she’s come into a difficult situation that’s not her fault. But there’s a lot that’s gone on in the last eight years at ADOT that needs our attention.” Martinez held steady, recommending four years before the next audit, but added: “I could be talked down to two or three years.”
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February 2024 | InMaricopa.com
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