From Politipage.com

“Most transparent administration” forgets to fill watchdog positions which oversee transparency

Even as President Barack Obama expands the federal government to fulfill an ambitious domestic and international agenda, many of the oversight posts charged with ensuring the government’s transparency and accountability remain vacant, according to a review by the Center for Public Integrity.

At least 15 of the 73 inspectors general, chief auditors or whistleblower protection jobs across government are unfilled or are being covered by acting officials, according to the review. Many of the openings have languished for a year or more.

The State Department, for instance, has been without an inspector general since early 2008, when Howard Krongard resigned after a controversy involving investigations into spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. Similarly, the CIA, often in the limelight with its sweeping spy powers, hasn’t had a presidentially appointed inspector general since John Helgerson retired in March 2009.