Viewpoint: Questions Abound After Inquiry Sheds Light On Beaumont Bonuses, Hiring

Nowadays, expanded newscasts and contracting newsrooms make it difficult for local broadcasters to conduct in-depth investigations. We knew we?d touched a nerve when KVIA?s inbox was teeming with reactions after a story we aired raising questions about bonuses, vacation and pay given out to three employees at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. I asked dogged reporter Maria Garcia to share her experience investigating allegations of favoritism at one of the most impenetrable institutions in our community. Here?s what she wrote:

This summer, I started looking into cash and paid time off awards at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. I uncovered documents that show the chief union steward and the wife of a top administrator received hefty cash bonuses very often and, in one case, very early on in their employment.I also discovered that the 23-year-old son of the assistant to the doctor issuing these cash awards was hand-picked as a nurse consultant with a $71,600 annual salary, an amount usually reserved for mid- or senior-level management.There may well be an explanation for all of this and the perks may be well-deserved, but getting that side of the story has been a grueling task. When I called Beaumont in the summer, a public affairs officer initially said they?d give me a tour. When I gave them specifics about my story, he said there would be no tour and no interview. Instead, I received a statement that said they had done a ?quick review? of the department and had discovered no evidence of favoritism.A ?quick review? wasn?t enough. I again asked for an interview with the commander and was denied. For months, I sought answers. Beaumont officials had also written that the Fort Bliss Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) reviewed the cash bonuses. I double-checked that. But Fort Bliss refused to answer any questions regarding their role in Beaumont?s cash awards. They wouldn?t even tell me their policy. I asked for an official reason for denying me answers. After several days of repeated emails and calls, a spokesman said the CPAC doesn?t review awards, but only processes them ? a different story than what Beaumont wrote.I gave people in my story an opportunity to explain directly. When I showed up at their house, they closed their front door.Based on my findings and probes, Beaumont?s new commander, newly promoted Brig. Gen. Dennis Doyle, brought in an outside officer to conduct an investigation.Last week, I finally had the opportunity to interview Doyle about the investigation after his promotion ceremony. When I walked into the room, a public affairs officer said, ?I thought you were off today. Let me go tell the commander because I told him you were off.? It was my day off, but this is an investigation I?m invested in. The strong reaction from viewers — military and civilian — tells me that this is an important story of which we need to get to the bottom.

Link:I-Team: Do Cash and Paid-Time-Off Awards Show Nepotism at Beaumont?Link:Nurse Speaks Out About Alleged Favoritism In Beaumont’s Cash AwardsLink:Beaumont Commander Asked About Questionable Cash Awards