Usually an appeal from City Council members for state auditors to come examine the books four weeks before an election could be dismissed as purely a political maneuver.

Perhaps that’s what the letter from Council members Glenn Sexton, Rita Sims-Franklin and Nancy Sewell to state examiners last week will turn out to be.

Nonetheless, we believe the issue will not die no matter the results of the August 24th election.The issue of the delayed audit has haunted our city since March and we see no end in sight.

Reading the list of accounting and procedural errors which were made in the 2002-2003 fiscal year makes it easy to understand why the final audit has still not been delivered. It is also evident why the finance department went through excessive turnover before finding current City Treasurer Cynthia Mitchell. It’s important to remember that Mitchell was not on staff and cannot be considered a scapegoat for the problems identified in the report.

Whatever the excuses and no matter how legitimate they are, the fact remains we are coming quickly to the close of the 2003-2004 fiscal year and only have the preliminary audit report for 2002-2003

The council members, who are not running for re-election, made the request and have clearly stated that they intend to ask for a second opinion of the audit.

We think they should have it.

The second opinion should come from the state. The state is eager to help provide funding

to celebrate our history. However in finding a way to help the city move forward, they can help Selma’s present and future

The debate over the audit is like a growing

tumor that is killing any chance for progress in city government. A second audit, from a neutral arbitrator agreed on by both sides, would cut that tumor out and give Selma a chance to heal.

What we believe would be the outcome of the second audit is unimportant.

Whether the mayor will be vindicated or his detractors will win the day, is a secondary issue to the people of Selma.

Frankly, we need to know once and for all, one way or another, and end the debate. What condition is the City of Selma’s finances in?

It’s as simple as that.

Let both sides step to the plate and take their cuts.

They both believe they are right so neither should have anything to fear.

In the end, either way Selma will win.

In how many situations can we truly say that?