To the editor:
The sudden and unexplained resignation of Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor Ameratu Kamara leaves a number of questions, including the decision to “provide her with five months of her current salary as severance.”
Third-party government salary databases cite the 2025 salary for this position as $88,660, meaning that the severance calculates to roughly $36,942 in tax dollars. Previous city employee resignations in the Alexandria Times did not mention such severance packages, which, combined with its occurrence in the midst of an interrupted in-custody death investigation, makes this situation seem particularly noteworthy.
Obviously, there are a number of reasons that could merit this allocation of taxpayer dollars. Explaining personnel decisions for a public role is uncomfortable and intrusive but is also an important element of city transparency.
Considering the nature of an auditor role at eliminating waste and mismanagement, some illumination beyond Mayor Gaskins’ statement, “This is a personnel matter and I have no further comment,” seems warranted.
In the past year, Alexandria had many cases of resource mishandling, including DASH, the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority and the Alexandria City Public Schools Transportation Department. At a minimum, it would be reassuring for the city to explain the generous severance package for its auditor, paired with a general reason for the resignation itself.
-Scott O’Neil, Alexandria
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