Letter to the editor: Wood has experience, education

By Price Brattin, Tulsa - 11/5/2009


I take issue with the World's endorsement of Preston Doerflinger for city auditor ("For Doerflinger," Oct. 24). The endorsement is based on the notion Doerflinger "has more than 14 years of management experience."

Maybe the writer didn't know what an auditor does. How money is spent is determined by the city budget, not the auditor. The auditor tests city transactions to make sure they conform to city policies, rules and regulations. Management experience as an entrepreneur provides little or no understanding of auditing.

The editorial states Doerflinger is becoming a certified internal auditor. How? By reading a book so he can pass the exam? Isn't that like a prospective coach never playing the game but reading about the sport? Becoming a certified internal auditor requires 24 months auditing experience. Doerflinger lists no audit experience on his Web site. He has a degree in organizational leadership and is a registered respiratory therapist. That might be the education and experience for city health care officer but not city auditor.

Phil Wood retired as the chief financial officer of a major Tulsa company, is a certified internal auditor, and has more than 20 years experience as an internal auditor. He taught business at the University of Kansas and did advanced study of business at Harvard and the Wharton School. He's been elected city auditor 10 times. He has the education and ability to do the job.

Vote for Phil Wood. He won't have to learn on the job.



Editor's note: Brattin is a certified public accountant.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. Each letter must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be a maximum of 250 words to be considered for publication and may be edited for length, style and grammar. Letters should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Tulsa World, Box 1770, Tulsa, Okla., 74102, or send e-mail to letters@tulsaworld.com.


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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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QLC, (11/5/2009 9:16:29 AM)
how in the world could the Tulsa World endorse Doerflinger. I thought the TW was all about actual ability based upon past experience. Phil Wood is an honest and highly respected certified auditor. How does that compare to respiratory therapist? I wish the TW would kindly explain their position. Are they simply tired of the same old guy, or want to stir things up, or just exactly what do they hope to gain by replacing an accountant with someone 'working' on their qualifications? I don't get it. I have to give it to Doerflinger for recognizing that there were no qualifications for a position in the city and making an effort to take that job. Much like the judges, Tulsans are going to vote for the last name they see on the way to the polls. Please, somebody, make a case for Doerflinger, I can't wait to see it. I will be voting for Wood.

zzx375, BA (11/6/2009 7:04:07 AM)
"Phil Wood retired as the chief financial officer of a major Tulsa company..." Whose management drove it into the tank! I used to work for that company.

orly, Tulsa (11/5/2009 10:14:00 AM)
Wood is a very nice guy, but let's face it, he has let a lot of waste, fraud and abuse slip through his fingers. I dont believe it is on purpose for one second, but it happened nonetheless. Doerflinger is also a very nice guy and is looking for a way he can make an impact, I see no fault in that. He is an accomplished businessman that runs his business very much in-line with the expectations of this position. I believe, wants to get in office and make a difference. I have met them both on several occasions and have a great deal of respect for both of them, but I am leaning towards Doerflinger, primarily because I think it is time to make a change and I am not positive that Phil is up for the job anymore like he once was.

Fruits&Nuts, (11/5/2009 11:12:08 AM)
Doerflinger is sure to make an impact. He is already bought and purchased by the Tulsa World, who knows who else has a piece of him? I wish now I had run for the position because I could be working on whatever the true qualifications are just as well as he can. Mr. Wood was unquestioned integrity, unlike many other members of the city's staff. Phil have my unmitigated support and we should all be thanking him for his many years of truly dedicated service.

Thunder196, Tulsa (11/5/2009 12:33:29 PM)
Yeah, Wood was so fantastic, he put on his running shoes, and let the corrupt Tulsa Fire Department off the hook.

GARFIELD, TULSA (11/5/2009 10:15:39 AM)
What--PRAY TELL--is 'organizational leadership'? I got a flyer to vote for Mr. Doerflinger. He does have a fine-looking family, and looks serious enough. Maybe he feels that Mr. Wood- at 84--is tiring out and he'll get an early bid in for the Auditor job. It's 'never over till it's over', so I'm sticking with Mr. Wood again!



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