A plea deal with one of six people implicated in an Adams County paving fraud scandal opens the door for him to testify against others in a case in which taxpayers were allegedly bilked for $1.8 million in work that wasn’t done.

Heath Russo, 34, agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony theft charges — and to testify against any others who are charged in the case.

"Mr. Russo has been cooperating with the authorities since they initially contacted him," his attorney, Manuel Solano, said Friday.

Solano described Russo as "just a pretty clean-cut young man" who had never previously been in trouble with the law.

Russo was one of four officials of Quality Paving who were charged with multiple felony counts in the case. In addition, two Adams County public works officials have been charged in an investigation that is nearly 3 years old and growing.

Among the things now being examined by investigators is work Quality Paving did at the home of Adams County Commissioner Alice Nichol. Continue reading →

http://www.tonysrants.com/thornton/following-the-money-trail-campaign-contributions-to-commissioner-alice-nichol-raise-more-questions/

Does money buy influence in politics?  That is a rhetorical question of course as money talks with many elected officials and it always has. A look at state campaign finance documents submitted by Adams County Commissioner Alice Nichol reveals she has accepted contributions from many of the same people tied to questionable dealings in the county. Continue reading →

http://www.tonysrants.com/thornton/breaking-adams-county-commissioner-erik-hansen-proposes-reforms/

In an open letter to his fellow Adams County Commissioners this morning, Erik Hansen takes the first step in getting in front of the scandals that have enveloped the county.  Hansen proposes a number of much needed reforms that the other commissioners should embrace – see complete letter below.

The give point plan would address many of the problems that have come to light in recent months.  It would help to increase transparency in Adams County government while removing the nepotism and cronyism that has plagued the county.

It will be interesting to see the reaction of the other two commissioners, Alice Nichol and Skip Fischer.  Nichol is herself currently under a cloud of suspicion after it was revealed yesterday that she may have used her power to unduly influence county business.

Hansen should be applauded for trying to reign in the corruption that has apparently permeated Adams County government.  All of the commissioners should embrace these reforms with open arms and start the hard task of restoring the public trust in Adams County.

As Hansen writes, “It is time for the Board of County Commissioners to confront head on the continuing stain on the reputation of Adams County.”

1/31/11 – Adams County Commissioner Erik Hansen calls for needed reforms