Huntingford cleared of fraudulent mileage allegation

By Sarah J. Bell
Port Townsend Leader Staff Writer

11/3/04

The state auditor's office has determined that Jefferson County Commissioner Glen Huntingford was allowed to collect vehicle mileage reimbursement from the county in addition to compensation by the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, of which Huntingford is a board member.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the state auditor informed Jefferson County Auditor Donna Eldridge that state statutes allow Huntingford to collect money from both the county and the

state agency.

The attorney general for the state of Washington launched the investigation, which was prompted by a complaint filed by Mats Mats resident Mike Belenski alleging that Huntingford and former County Administrator David Goldsmith unlawfully over-billed the county for miles driven.

Huntingford specifically was investigated for billing mileage attributable to other state agencies, or being compensated twice for county-related duties.

Brian Moran, chief criminal prosecutor for the attorney general, completed a criminal investigation at the request of Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell and on July 19 said in both cases the state could not charge either Goldsmith or Huntingford with criminal charges or continue with further criminal investigation.

On July 27, Huntingford had paid the county $4,032.58, the amount of mileage that had been in question, but was repaid that same amount at Eldridge's request.

"In Jefferson County, we try to do everything according to law, and this was a gray area brought to our attention by a citizen," Eldridge said Wednesday. "In good faith I believe Glen is entitled to the refund in accordance with how the statute is written."

Huntingford said he thought it was important for the state auditor to examine the case so that more than an internal investigation was completed.

"I'm glad the state auditor came back with the ruling that they did, and hopefully now we can move on," Huntingford said.