Tony Babauta: DOI report reaffirms acts were legit

Anthony Babauta said the release by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General’s investigative report about his conduct in office supported his contention all along that he didn’t do anything wrong with regards to the awarding of grants.

“I have reviewed the final investigation report conducted by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General and I am satisfied it reaffirms that my official acts and decisions as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas were legitimate endeavors to improve the quality of life for areas under my responsibility,” said the former assistant secretary for Insular Affairs in an email to Saipan Tribune.

He, however, acknowledged that there are some appearances of conflicts in his past actions, “but I trusted then, as I do now, that my personal relationships with island leaders had no bearing in how I made a final decision. I consider those whom I interacted with, and were subjects of this investigation, to be outstanding leaders and faithful public servants. No one worked to betray the public’s trust.”

The DOI investigative report found that, against the advice of his staff and grant specialists, Babauta directed the award of two OIA grants to the University of Guam to support the Micronesian Center for a Sustainable Future.

The report said both grants went to Babauta’s former employer, a UOG senior official, and UOG subsequently hired Babauta’s friend as the MCSF project coordinator.

“Our investigation revealed that UOG allowed the MCSF project coordinator to expend $32,636.34 in grant funds on unallowable expenses, many of which were of personal benefit to the MCSF project coordinator,” stated the investigative report made public yesterday.

The report may be viewed at www.doi.gov.oig/reports/upload/BabautaPublic1.pdf.

Public apology

Babauta was contrite on allegations that he made inappropriate comments to employees and conducted himself unprofessionally at times.

“DOI’s report also commented on personal matters. I am embarrassed because of it and publicly apologize to my family. It has been nearly a year and a half since I resigned my office. I continue to value the honor and privilege of having served in my capacity and to have worked in changing the direction of policy and improving relationships between the federal government and the U.S. territories and Freely Associated States,” he said.

The report also states that Babauta had one OIA employee perform work outside the scope of his government duties.

“We…found that Babauta resided at the guesthouse of one subordinate employee for several months without providing compensation. We did not find evidence that Babauta used government travel for personal gain, but there were certain trips for government business in which he appeared to benefit personally,” the report states.

Despite his unceremonious exit from the OIA, Babauta said he is still proud of his achievements while in office.

“I am a strong believer in the initiatives that I put forth to empower island constituencies. I feel that my agenda which included implementing renewable energy, building capacity of non-profit organizations, encouraging economic development, providing decision-makers and the public with information about their economies and the state of their public schools, building capacity and supporting education, hospitals, first responders, local initiatives to improve accountability, and promoting island cultures, was worthwhile. I am grateful for the support that many have expressed to me for my term in office and I am happy that this final report brings closure to my tenure. I will continue working toward improving our islands and look forward to opportunities to return to public service.”

On Oct. 19, 2012, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor brought allegations to the Office of the Inspector General that Babauta mistreated his employees through discrimination and sexual harassment, misused government equipment and personnel, and took personal trips under the guise of official business.

These allegations originated from OIA employees, some of whom filed Equal Employment Opportunity complaints against him.

UOG reaction

In a statement, University of Guam said it stands by its record in competing for federal grants and in its administration of grant projects from multiple federal agencies.

It said UOG managed over 110 grants in fiscal year 2013, infusing over $38 million into the economies of Guam and the region. It also defended MCSF and the entity’s involvement in the OIA investigation.

“Though the Micronesian Center for a Sustainable Future is not a university entity, the administration of the MCSF grant was an important effort by UOG to provide assistance to the Micronesian Chief Executives and directly correlates to our regional mission. UOG remains an active partner of the region by providing research, technical assistance and service through federal grants and contracts.”

UOG said that grants awarded it through DOI have been competitively sought and have followed the technical review processes required by DOI.

“UOG followed government policies in regards to the selection and contracting of the MCSF coordinator and adhered to procurement law for purchases under the MCSF grant,” it said.

UOG said the investigative report has not affected the ability of UOG to apply for and receive grant funding from DOI and other federal agencies.

“We are grateful for the work and support of Assistant Secretary Babauta during his tenure in office and for the opportunity to participate in many projects and activities which are of continuing benefit for the people of the region as well as the University of Guam,” the UOG statement adds.