Cook Calls on Attorney General to Conduct LSA Investigation, Audit

April 20, 2023

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) is calling on the Pennsylvania attorney general to conduct an investigation and forensic audit of Washington County’s Local Share Account (LSA). 

“While I do not make this request lightly, the people of Washington County deserve openness, transparency and accountability in all aspects of state and local government,” Cook wrote in a hand-delivered letter to Attorney General Michelle Henry on Wednesday.  That is sorely lacking when it comes to the LSA program.”

Cook explained that dating back to his first year in office, he has heard from many citizens who were concerned about the LSA program and what they saw as a lack of information and, ultimately, fairness in how funds were awarded.

“Five years later, after numerous right-to-know requests, the county commissioners have refused to address several key concerns,” Cook wrote.

Those concerns include a clear conflict of interest in which LSA funds are awarded to the organization the LSA’s executive director represents; failure by the county commissioners to address the lack of fairness, accountability and transparency of the LSA awards process; and what appears to be $10 million in funding unaccounted for from the LSA account.

“Our citizens deserve answers to these questions,” Cook wrote. “We believe your office will compel honest and timely answers to finally resolve the issues outlined above.”

Cook previously approached the Office of Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit; however, the office declined based on its lack of subpoena power, which would inhibit its ability to conduct the audit effectively.

More information and background about the LSA and Cook’s efforts to shed light on the organization is available at RepBudCook.com.