But council minority leader Louis Salvio, said this position is unnecessary.

"She (auditor Deborah Canyok) was hired under a contract that gives her absolutely nothing to do," Salvio said. "And most of what she has done is sit in front of a computer and copy figures. She’s just spinning her wheels.

"And she’s not supposed to get any benefits, but she received 10 days of paid time off. This is one of the reasons I recommended to refer this matter to committee."

Bielinski said that the auditor received or will receive the time off, but said, "I’m not sure if it is paid time, and at the time she was hired, benefits meant medical and life insurance."

Mayor Timothy Stewart also objects to the hiring of the auditor.

"I don’t have a problem with another person as an internal auditor as long as it is a function of government. But, we have Scully & Wolf, the largest auditing firm in Connecticut handling our books," Stewart said.

"So, I believe this is a political move. They want to play politics, and this is just a half-hearted attempt to create a shadow government," said Stewart, a Republican.

Bielinski insisted the hire is not political.

"It’s not a partisan position. It’s made out to be this big conspiracy, but it’s not. I believe the minority leader is the mouthpiece of the mayor, and that’s why the position is being challenged. They don’t want this position to exist."

Assistant Corporation Counsel Joseph E. Skelly presented an opinion Tuesday regarding the auditor position.

Skelly referenced the City Charter’s designation of the Board of Finance and Taxation as the audit authority of the City of New Britain. He further stated the auditor is to be overseen by the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law.

Bielinski said the auditor answers to the council. "In the past there wasn’t anyone else to make sure there was work to do, so she came to us."

Alderman James Sullivan (D) believes that having someone else look at the books is beneficial to the city. "It’s about saving the taxpayers money. In the wake of Enron, how can you fault another set of eyes on the books?" Sullivan said.

"Criticism of this auditor speaks an alarming degree of suspicion on the part of the mayor."

Stewart said the auditor’s job "is a ridiculous position because she doesn’t have the authority to do anything."

The matter has been referred to the Committee on Administration, Finance and Law.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached by calling ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.