Inspector General nominee says he will lead office "without fear or favor"

A senator asked Mister Esposito how an inspector general should avoid partisan activities and protect the office from political pressure, citing the Inspector General Act of 1978’s requirement that inspectors general be appointed without regard to political affiliation.

Esposito said he would lead the Department of Labor inspector general’s office “without fear or favor.” He described a long career in public service, including time as a New York City detective, and said he takes the oath to public service seriously regardless of which political leaders are in office. “It didn’t matter who the mayor of the City Of New York was. It didn’t matter who the police commissioner was. We took an oath, and I take that oath as I would here,” Esposito said.

Esposito told the committee the inspector general’s priorities would include rooting out waste, fraud and abuse; ensuring fair wages and safe work conditions; and helping eradicate child trafficking and exploitation in labor. He said he would visit regional offices to hear from employees on the ground and to learn what the office can do better. The senator closed by stressing that it is critical the office be perceived as free of political judgment and bias so employees feel they will be treated and judged fairly.

Esposito’s remarks came during committee questioning of nominees; there was no committee vote during this exchange.