Brian Shortsleeve for Massachusetts Pledges To Audit Every Agency And Program As Governor
BOSTON, MA – Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve is calling for a full, immediate, and independent overtime audit of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation following a Fox 25 investigation into apparent overtime fraud and abuse within the agency.
“The Fox 25 investigation revealed once again what we all know to be true – state government is awash with waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Shortsleeve. “Governor Healey needs to order a full and independent audit of MassDOT overtime practices immediately to restore confidence and ensure taxpayers are not being exploited.” Shortsleeve added that, as governor, he will order audits of every agency and program in state government.
Shortsleeve pointed to his own record of tackling overtime abuse while serving as chief administrator of the MBTA, where one of his first actions was launching a comprehensive overtime audit focused on accountability, oversight, and operational efficiency.
“When I was brought in to clean up the T’s broken finances, we asked basic management questions that should be asked of every government agency,” said Shortsleeve. “What we found was astonishing, with individuals signing their own time cards and over forty percent of overtime going to individuals who hadn’t worked a full 40-hour week,” said Shortsleeve.
The audit framework implemented under Shortsleeve’s leadership examined whether overtime was:
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Valid and supported by documented operational needs
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Properly approved by authorized supervisors
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Accurately calculated under collective bargaining agreements
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Fairly and systematically allocated
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Controlled through internal oversight mechanisms
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Monitored by management throughout the fiscal year
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Compliant with policies and regulations
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Efficient and tied to measurable productivity outcomes
“If MassDOT cannot answer those questions clearly, confidently, and affirmatively, then that tells you everything you need to know about how this administration is being managed,” said Shortsleeve.
Shortsleeve’s audits led to reforms that rapidly and dramatically reduced overtime and absenteeism.
Shortsleeve added that the allegations surrounding MassDOT reflect a broader pattern of systemic mismanagement under Healey.
“This is just the latest example of costly mismanagement, if not pure corruption, by the Healey administration, including recent discoveries of rampant SNAP fraud, no-bid contracts, the service plaza scandal, and cocaine trafficking out of the governor’s office,” said Shortsleeve.
“When people ask how we can afford to cut spending and make government more efficient, this is exactly what I’m talking about,” Shortsleeve said. “Before politicians ask taxpayers for another dollar, every agency should first prove they are properly managing the dollars they already have.”