CENTRAL FLORIDA,None — The state is expanding its investigation into Workforce Central Florida over an idea that some say is the stupidest idea they've ever heard.
The newest allegation of misspending involves a marketing campaign, in which the chairman of the board for the job agency marches around in a super-hero cape.
As part of a new marketing campaign, Workforce Central Florida spent a reported $14,000 on red capes to hand out to jobseekers who visit their offices. People who are unemployed told WFTV that the capes aren't going to get them a job and they say it's a waste of money.
In a promotional video, Workforce Central Florida Board Chairman Owen Wentworth, dons a red cape to take on "Dr. Evil Unemployment" in the agency's comic book-themed campaign.
The campaign which reportedly cost $73,000 includes thousands of red capes.
Job-seekers such as Gregory Bryant said the capes are a waste of money and they're offended by the cartoon-like portrayal of being unemployed.
"Would you wear this around?" WFTV reporter Bianca Castro asked Bryant.
"No, I mean, would you?" Bryant answered. "It's a mockery to Americans."
The agency for Workforce Innovation, which has some oversight on regional boards, sent a letter to Workforce Central Florida, calling the campaign "insensitive and wasteful."
It's calling on its inspector general to expand an investigation launched into Workforce Central Florida last month. WFTV prompted that investigation when it reported the agency spent $250,000 tax dollars on staff cars.
At the time, Workforce Vice President Kim Sullivan told WFTV, "We're like an open book and have good business practices."
But on Tuesday, the agency would not respond to any of WFTV's questions because its new marketing campaign is under investigation.
Workforce Central Florida is governed by a local board made up 44 community members. WFTV tried to get a hold of some of them, including board chairman Wentworth, but has not received a response.
Workforce Central Florida has been investigated before. In 2006, it had to repay almost $3.5 million to the federal government to settle claims that it misused public money.
WFTV
