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Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas announced the appointment of former Manhattan ADA Charles Knapp, who will be tasked with “protecting residents, preventing corruption and enforcing quality controls so justice can prevail.”
As the city’s Inspector General, Knapp’s role will be to investigate complaints, prevent and detect corruption, and conflicts of interest or abuse. He will also assist in establishing programs for training city officers as well as develop and enforce internal audit controls to ensure processes are conducted ethically and without political interference.
“I am humbled and deeply honored with responsibilities the mayor has placed upon me,” Knapp said. “I hope that through my work the people will see the Office of Inspector General as a non-partisan one and will come to trust in the integrity of the reports that are issued. I am here to serve the people of Mount Vernon in their continuing quest for good government.”
Thomas said that the Mount Vernon City Charter has a provision stating that the Inspector General is to receive an annual salary; however, that position has been unfunded for years. Knapp has agreed to act on a pro-bono basis until a 2010 State Supreme Court Order directing officials to fund the role is honored.
“Inspector General Knapp is a person who is committed to the rule of law and to fairness. He has a proven track record of public service, working under some of the most respected people in the state,” Thomas said in a statement. "Because our city finds itself at a crossroads, it is imperative we empower our Inspector General to serve all of the people of Mount Vernon, especially those who are victim to ill deeds by corrupt officials who forgot that the purpose of public service is not self-service.
"The people deserve a non-political advocate who will follow the trails of evidence wherever they may lead and I am confident that I have found that person.”
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