DOCSLIB.ORG

Minnesota State Auditor Four Candidates Are Running for the Office of Minnesota’S State Auditor

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Minnesota State Auditor Four Candidates Are Running for the Office of Minnesota’S State Auditor VOTER GUIDE Minnesota State Auditor Four candidates are running for the office of Minnesota’s state auditor. Incumbent Rebecca Otto is not seeking re-election. Candidate Michael Ford did not respond to a request for participation. Candidate answers are in their own words and unchanged. Explain your approach on balancing training local offi- Does Minnesota still need Are local government cials to do a good job keep- a state auditor, at least one audits conducted by private ing financial records and elected on a partisan tick- firms as good as ones the the need for the auditor’s Should audits be limited Should the auditor’s et? Many people have said auditor’s office conducts? office to strictly enforce to finances or expanded role be expanded to exam- it should be removed from Should private audits be laws and accepted account- to include how successful ine state books instead of *denotes incumbent politics. allowed? ing principles. programs and policies are? just local governments? Julie Blaha (DFL) An elected auditor is direct- An audit is most trustworthy As a math teacher, I know A full investigation includes The state auditor over- Age: 48 ly accountable to Minneso- when no money changes what it means to both accu- analyzing results. While the sees over $20 billion in local Occupation: tans, not a political party. In hands between an auditor rately assess performance office’s Audit Division focus- spending - that deserves top Math Teacher; this time of fake news and and the municipality. I will and increase success. The es on finances, its Report- attention. When politicians Labor Leader attacks on those who tell the advocate for an office that most effective way to help ing Division can provide a in Washington DC or at the Website: truth in government, an elect- can provide periodic audits local officials succeed is to wider look including analysis state level can’t agree, we blahafor ed auditor is essential to pre- free of charge. This approach provide complete, honest of the return on investment turn to our local govern- auditor.org serve accountability, integrity, would provide a check on pri- feedback. Enforcing laws of a program or policy. Com- ments. As auditor, I will give Facebook: and transparency. I will be an vate audits, while freeing up and best practices will also paring results to costs helps my undivided attention to Blaha https://www. unbiased and trusted partner. local funding when the state increase local officials’ suc- local officials make better supporting Minnesotans facebook.com/ completes the audit. cess and effectiveness. decisions. solving problems close to BlahaForAuditor/ home. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ BlahaForAuditor Family: Julie’s Husband is Roger, they have two sons and three Grandkids ...with another on the way! Chris Dock (Lib) The position of State Audi- I support the usage of inde- It is crucial that local offi- My plan is to implement Currently the state books Age: 52 tor should not be a political pendent auditors whenever cials keep accurate and trans- a Report Card system that are audited by the Legis- Occupation: position. As State Auditor, that provides a more thor- parent financial records. The will enable taxpayers to lative Auditor, who is an Investment my responsibility would be ough and cost-effective option Auditor’s office should not easily understand how their appointee rather than an Consultant to provide fiduciary oversight in comparison to the State only be reviewing the financial local government is perform- independent, elected offi- Website: of government operations on Auditor’s office. Increasing data and adherence to rules ing compared to benchmark cial. We need more inde- www.chrisdock behalf of the people, not to options and competition cre- and regulations, but should data. It’s one thing to know pendence in this role; the forauditor.org represent any political party. ates the opportunity for higher review processes as well to what was spent on any given Auditor of the State should Facebook: The ideal candidate should be quality and lower cost ser- ensure financial operations aspect of government, it’s not be appointed by those Dock www. independent of those being vices to be available in the are handled as efficiently as another to know whether that he/she is auditing. facebook.com/ audited. marketplace. possible. expenditure was efficient. cd4auditor/ Twitter: NA Family: NA Pam Myhra (R) Yes, Minnesotans need 2018 MN Supreme Court The State Auditor’s Office I believe the public would Yes, since the Legislative Age: 61 a State Auditor elected and affirmed 2015 law passed by should not be doing both con- be better served if the State Auditor is at the directive Occupation: accountable to them alone. Dem controlled Senate and sulting/educating and audit- Auditor’s Office was expand- of the State Legislature, CPA, The Legislative Auditor serves Rep House and signed into ing since these are conflicting ed to include performance (part of state government), Republican at the directive of the Legis- law by Dem governor to allow roles, challenging the audi- reviews of the effectiveness state government agencies Endorsed lature and therefore can be counties same choice cities tor’s independence and objec- of programs and policies. should be audited by the Candidate influence by the political Party have, to engage a private tivity according to Generally independent state Constitu- for MN State in power. Minnesotans need accounting firm to do their Accepted Government Audit- tional Office of State Auditor Auditor an independent State Auditor audit. The choice allows for ing Standards. which is at the directive of Myhra Website: answerable to them. greater local control to better the people and accountable pamfor serves public interest. to them alone. auditor.com Facebook: @pamforauditor Twitter: @pamforauditor Family: Husband, Chuck, of 37 years and three adult children.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Eeann Tweeden, a Los Port for Franken and Hoped He an Injury to One Is an Injury to All! Angeles Radio Broadcaster
    (ISSN 0023-6667) Al Franken to resign from U.S. Senate Minnesota U.S. Senator Al an effective Senator. “Minne- Franken, 66, will resign amidst sotans deserve a senator who multiple allegations of sexual can focus with all her energy harassment from perhaps eight on addressing the issues they or more women, some of them face every day,” he said. anonymous. Franken never admitted to The first charge came Nov. sexual harassing women. Many 16 from Republican supporter Minnesotans stated their sup- Leeann Tweeden, a Los port for Franken and hoped he An Injury to One is an Injury to All! Angeles radio broadcaster. She would not resign. Many posts WEDNESDAY VOL. 124 said Franken forcibly kissed stated that Franken was set up DECEMBER 13, 2017 NO. 12 and groped her during a USO to be taken down. Many former tour in 2006, two years before female staffers said he always he was elected to the U.S. treated them with respect. Senate. Photos were published Among other statements in Al Franken was in Wellstone of Franken pretending to grope his lengthy speech were “Over Hall in May 2005 addressing her breasts as she slept. the last few weeks, a number of an overflow crowd that Franken apologized and women have come forward to wanted him to run for U.S. called for a Senate ethics inves- talk about how they felt my Senate after he moved back tigation into his actions, but actions had affected them. I to Minnesota. He invoked disappeared until a Senate floor was shocked. I was upset.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release: National Organization Names
    STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR SUITE 500 525 PARK STREET (651) 296-2551 (Voice) (651) 296-4755 (Fax) REBECCA OTTO SAINT PAUL, MN 55103-2139 [email protected] (E-mail) STATE AUDITOR 1-800-627-3529 (Relay Service) ***PRESS RELEASE*** National Organization Names State Auditor Otto to Program Committee Contact: Jim Levi, Office of the State Auditor, (651) 297-3683, [email protected] ST. PAUL (1/4/2010) – Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto has been invited by the President of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT) to serve on the Annual Conference Program Committee. The Committee, which develops the educational program for the NASACT annual conference, is chaired by NASACT President Glen B. Gainer III, the State Auditor of West Virginia. "I am honored to be invited to serve on this committee with other State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers from around the country," said State Auditor Otto. Founded in 1915, NASACT is an organization for state officials who deal with the financial management of state government. The group's mission is to assist state leaders in enhancing and promoting effective and efficient management of government resources. The 2010 NASACT Annual Conference will be held August 7-11 in Charleston, West Virginia. -- 30 -- The Office of the State Auditor is a constitutional office that is charged with overseeing more than $20 billion spent annually by local governments in Minnesota. The Office of the State Auditor does this by performing audits of local government financial statements, and by reviewing documents, data, reports, and complaints reported to the Office.
    [Show full text]
  • AVAILABLE from DOCUMENT RESUME SP 038 711 Minnesota State High School League. a Program Evaluation Minnesota State Office Of
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 433 308 SP 038 711 TITLE Minnesota State High School League. A Program Evaluation Report. Report #98-07. INSTITUTION Minnesota State Office of the Legislative Auditor, St. Paul. Program Evaluation Div. PUB DATE 1998-06-00 NOTE 65p. AVAILABLE FROM Legislative Auditor's Office, Program Evaluation Division, Centennial Office Bldg., First Floor South, St. Paul, MN 55155; Tel: 612-296-4708; Fax: 612-296-4712; Web site: http://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/ped2.htm; alternative formats such as large print, Braille, or audio tape: Tel: 612-296-8976, or Minnesota Relay Service: Tel: 612-297-5353; Tel: 800-627-3529 (Toll Free). PUB TYPE Reports - Evaluative (142) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Accountability; Athletics; Costs; *Extracurricular Activities; High School Students; High Schools; Private Schools; Program Evaluation; Public Schools; State Government; State Legislation IDENTIFIERS *Minnesota ABSTRACT This document presents a program evaluation report of the Minnesota State High School League, a nonprofit corporation that is a voluntary association of public and private high schools. Member schools delegate control of certain extracurricular activities to the League and, in turn, the League administers athletic and fine arts programs and competitions and establishes student eligibility rules. It is not a state agency, though in the last decade, the state legislature has shown continuing interest in its activities. This study focused on changes that have occurred since the 1987 evaluation of the League, state laws that govern the League's operation and how they compare with those governing state agencies, and changes needed to make the League more accountable to the legislature, students, parents, member schools, and the public.
    [Show full text]
  • Capitol Region Watershed District Management Letter
    State of Minnesota Julie Blaha State Auditor ______________________________________________________________________________ Capitol Region Watershed District Saint Paul, Minnesota Management and Compliance Report Year Ended December 31, 2020 Description of the Office of the State Auditor The mission of the Office of the State Auditor is to oversee local government finances for Minnesota taxpayers by helping to ensure financial integrity and accountability in local governmental financial activities. Through financial, compliance, and special audits, the State Auditor oversees and ensures that local government funds are used for the purposes intended by law and that local governments hold themselves to the highest standards of financial accountability. The State Auditor performs approximately 100 financial and compliance audits per year and has oversight responsibilities for over 3,300 local units of government throughout the state. The office currently maintains five divisions: Audit Practice – conducts financial and legal compliance audits of local governments; Government Information – collects and analyzes financial information for cities, towns, counties, and special districts; Legal/Special Investigations – provides legal analysis and counsel to the Office and responds to outside inquiries about Minnesota local government law; as well as investigates allegations of misfeasance, malfeasance, and nonfeasance in local government; Pension – monitors investment, financial, and actuarial reporting for Minnesota’s local public pension funds;
    [Show full text]
  • Campaign Finance PCR Report
    Total Pages: 23 Jul 24, 2018 Campaign Finance PCR Report Filing Period: 12/31/2018 Candidate Candidate Number of Committee Name Term Date First Name Last Name Requests Lyndon R Carlson Campaign 50 Committee Lyndon Carlson Mary Murphy Volunteer Committee Mary Murphy 1 Pelowski (Gene) Volunteer Committee Gene Pelowski Jr 1 Jean Wagenius Volunteer Committee Jean Wagenius 3 Senator (John) Marty Volunteer 2 Committee John Marty Ron Erhardt Volunteer Committee Ronnie (Ron) Erhardt 1 (Tom) Hackbarth Volunteer Committee Thomas Hackbarth 5 Urdahl (Dean) Volunteer Committee Dean Urdahl 43 Volunteers for (Larry) Nornes Larry (Bud) Nornes 3 Limmer (Warren) for Senate 1 Committee Warren Limmer Volunteers for Gunther (Robert) Robert Gunther 2 Wiger (Charles) for Senate Volunteer 3 Committee Charles (Chuck) Wiger Friends of (Michelle) Fischbach Michelle Fischbach 36 Masin (Sandra) Campaign Committee Sandra Masin 5 Committee for (Sondra) Erickson Sondra Erickson 39 Marquart (Paul) Volunteer Committee Paul Marquart 27 Ann Rest for Senate Committee Ann Rest 2 Tomassoni (David) for State Senate David Tomassoni 5 Julie Rosen for State Senate Julie Rosen 1 Peppin (Joyce) Volunteer Committee Joyce Peppin 8 Mike Nelson Volunteer Committee Michael Nelson 19 Hornstein (Frank) Volunteer Committee Frank Hornstein 1 Poppe (Jeanne) for the People 45 Committee Jeanne Poppe Melissa Hortman Campaign Committee Melissa Hortman 71 Liebling (Tina) for State House Tina Liebling 13 Mahoney (Tim) for House Timothy Mahoney 5 Leslie Davis for Governor Leslie Davis 4 Garofalo
    [Show full text]
  • Inside: Tower Candidate Forum...See /8 Ely Vball Advances
    Inside: Tower candidate forum...See /8 Ely vball advances... See /1B Deer Season...See /4B the T VOL.IMBERJAY 29, ISSUE 43 November 2, 2018 $100 ELECTION 2018 Stauber sought political help through county emails St. Louis County officials compelled to release records under court order by MARSHALL HELMBERGER Stauber may have used his advice from GOP operatives tentious race with DFLer Stauber and Commissioner Managing Editor official office to advance his and opposition research Joe Radinovich. Keith Nelson made to run for Congress. on current Eighth District While Stauber’s emails Washington, D.C. apparent- REGIONAL— St. Stauber’s email com- Congressman Rick Nolan, don’t appear to contain a ly representing the county. Louis County officials, on munications with repre- who had indicated early “smoking gun,” they do The emails also suggest that Tuesday, complied with a sentatives of the National on that he intended to show Stauber relying on Stauber’s office assistant judge’s order, releasing a Republican Congressional seek re-election, but later the NRCC for political played at least some role in slew of emails that suggest Committee show the com- changed his mind. Stauber messaging and logistical County Commissioner Peter missioner seeking political is currently locked in a con- arrangements for a visit that See...EMAILS pg. 9 Pete Stauber ELECTION 2018 ELECTION 2018 Voters to Halloween 2018 Mental health go to polls headlines next week final debate Retirements make for many for county hotly-contested commissioner regional races by MARCUS WHITE by MARCUS WHITE Cook/Orr Editor Cook/Orr Editor COOK— Addressing mental illness proved a hot topic during the final candi- REGIONAL - Hotly date forum between retired deputy sheriff contested races across the Bernie Mettler and region and state will go to longtime educator the voters next Tuesday.
    [Show full text]
  • Graduate Affairs Committee January 27, 2004 3:30 P.M
    Graduate Affairs Committee January 27, 2004 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. UL 1126 AGENDA 1. Approval of the minutes for November 25, 2003 .................................................... Queener 2. Associate Dean’s Report .......................................................................................... Queener 3. Purdue Dean’s Report ................................................................................................... Story 4. Graduate Office Report ............................................................................................ Queener 5. Committee Business a. Curriculum Subcommittee ........................................................................... O’Palka 6. International Affairs a. IELTS vs. TOEFL ............................................................................................ Allaei 7. Program Approval .................................................................................................... Queener a. M.S. Health Sciences Education – Name Change b. M.A. in Political Science c. M.S. in Music Therapy 8. Discussion ................................................................................................................ Queener a. MSD Thesis Optional b. Joint Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering 9. New Business…………………………………… 10. Next Meeting (February 24) and adjournment Graduate Affairs Committee January 27, 2004 Minutes Present: William Bosron, Mark Brenner (co-chair), Ain Haas, Dolores Hoyt, Andrew Hsu, Jane Lambert, Joyce MacKinnon, Jackie O’Palka, Douglas
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Directory MINNESOTA
    140 Congressional Directory MINNESOTA MINNESOTA (Population 2000, 4,919,479) SENATORS PAUL D. WELLSTONE, Democrat, of Northfield, MN; born in Washington, DC, July 21, 1944; attended Wakefield and Yorktown High Schools, Arlington, VA; B.A., political science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1965; Ph.D., political science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1969; professor of political science, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, 1969–90; director, Minnesota Community Energy Program; member, Democratic Farmer Labor Party, and numerous peace and justice organizations; publisher of three books: ‘‘How the Rural Poor Got Power’’, ‘‘Powerline’’ and ‘‘The Conscience of a Liberal Reclaiming the Compas- sionate Agenda’’; published several articles; married to the former Sheila Ison; three children: David, Marcia, and Mark; committees: Agriculture; Foreign Relations; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Indian Affairs; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Veterans’ Affairs; elected to the U.S. Senate on November 6, 1990; reelected to each succeeding Senate term. Office Listings http://www.senate.gov/∼wellstone [email protected] 136 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510–2303 ............................... (202) 224–5641 Administrative Assistant.—Colin McGinnis. FAX: 224–8438 Office Manager.—Jeffrey Levensaler. Legislative Director.—Brian Ahlberg. Court International Building, 2550 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55114– 1025 ..........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Linwood, Town Of
    STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR SUITE 500 525 PARK STREET SAINT PAUL, MN 55103-2139 (651) 296-2551 (Voice) (651) 296-4755 (Fax) REBECCA OTTO [email protected] (E-mail) STATE AUDITOR 1-800-627-3529 (Relay Service) February 28, 2014 The Honorable Philip Osterhus Chair, Linwood Town Board 22817 Typo Creek Drive, N.E. Stacy, Minnesota 55079 Dear Chair Osterhus: The Office of the State Auditor (“OSA”) received a number of concerns about Linwood Township (“Town”). This letter will provide the Town with guidance to better safeguard its financial resources and to comply with Minnesota law. Background The Town has a five-member Board of Supervisors, an elected Treasurer, and an elected Clerk.1 For a number of years, the Clerk was also employed by the Town as the Office Manager and the Senior Center Coordinator.2 The Town sponsors an annual celebration known as Linwood Family Fun Day (“LFFD”). The Town receives donations from local businesses for LFFD.3 In addition, the Town holds garage sales and silent auctions to raise money for LFFD.4 The garage sales and silent auctions are held at the Town’s Senior Center and are run by the Senior Center Coordinator, with the help of volunteers. Items sold at the garage sales are donated to the Town, although the Town has not maintained an inventory of the donated items. The Town owns the Senior Center building, funds various activities at the Senior Center, and hires the Senior Center Coordinator.5 The Senior Center is operated by the Town, with the 1 The OSA received conflicting information on whether the Town is classified as an “urban town.” See Minn.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 3 Minneapolisminneapolis Laborlabor Reviewreview 109Th Year No
    August 17: First of four Labor 2016 ‘Days of Action’ seeks volunteers for doorknocking— page 3 MinneapolisMinneapolis LaborLabor ReviewReview 109th Year No. 3 July 29, 2016 www.minneapolisunions.org Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Labor’s booth returns to Union leaders: Trump is no Game Fair August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 friend to working families See page 7 By Mark Gruenberg, As far as Trumka and the oth- PAI staff writer ers are concerned, the Demo- PHILADELPHIA (PAI)— crats are responding to workers. AFL-CIO president Richard And Trump isn’t. The union Trumka topped a parade of leaders concentrated on blasting union leaders who addressed the Trump. Democratic National Conven- “Trump actually said our tion in Philadelphia July 25. wages are too high, not just once They lauded Democratic presi- but repeatedly,” Trumka de- dential nominee Hillary Clinton clared. “Donald Trump isn’t the and blasted Republican nominee solution to America’s problems. Donald Trump. He is the problem.” Tyler Redden, AFSCME The convention speakers in- And paraphrasing the late Local 3800 member, dis- cluded Building Trades presi- Senator Lloyd Bentsen, D-Texas plays his first deer. dent Sean McGarvey and both — in the 1988 vice presidential teachers union presidents — debate — Trumka added: NEA’s Lily Eskelsen-Garcia and “Working people are strong and June 19-26: Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association walked Labor news AFT’s Randi Weingarten — as Donald Trump is wrong, wrong, picket lines for a full week at five Allina hospitals and facilities. updated daily well as Service Employees pres- wrong.
    [Show full text]
  • State Auditor Otto Chosen by National Organization for Three Committees
    STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR SUITE 500 525 PARK STREET (651) 296-2551 (Voice) (651) 296-4755 (Fax) REBECCA OTTO SAINT PAUL, MN 55103-2139 [email protected] (E-mail) STATE AUDITOR 1-800-627-3529 (Relay Service) ***PRESS RELEASE*** State Auditor Otto Chosen by National Organization for Three Committees Contact: Jim Levi, Office of the State Auditor, (651) 297-3683, [email protected] ST. PAUL (10/5/2010) – Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto has been invited by Nancy Kopp, the President of the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT), to serve on three of its strategic committees. Auditor Otto has accepted the invitation to serve on NASACT's Financial Management and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, which considers and reviews issues related to state/local partnerships and improved relationships with federal finance officials. In addition, State Auditor Otto has accepted the invitation to serve on NASACT's Training and Professional Development Committee and the Membership Committee. Earlier this year, State Auditor Otto was elected to the Executive Committee of the National State Auditors Association (NSAA) by the membership, and is in line to become President of that group. "I look forward to working with the other State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers from across the country on fiscal management and oversight of government funds," said State Auditor Otto. Founded in 1915, NASACT is an organization for state officials who deal with the financial management of state government. The group's mission is to assist state leaders in enhancing and promoting effective and efficient management of government resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Childp;N Familieswaming
    MINNIIOTA DIPARTMINT O' Childp;n FamiliesWaming Report to the Legislature January 2 1, 2003 As required by Minnesota Statute §128C.20 COMMISSIONER: Cheri Pierson Yecke Report to the Legislature 2002 Minnesota State High FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: School League Dan Stewart, Due Process Specialist Report Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning T: (651) 582-1611 FAX: (651) 582-8725 E-MAIL: [email protected] As required by OR Minnesota Jenny Thompson, Legal Intern Statutes Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning §128C.20 T: (651) 582-8792 FAX: (651) 582-8725 E-MAIL: [email protected] January 21, 2003 1500 Highway 36 West Roseville, MN 55113-4266 TTY: (800) 627-3529 OR (651) 582-8201 Upon request, this report can be made available in alternative formats. ESTIMATED COST OF PREPARING THIS REPORT This report provides information which is maintained and published as Minnesota Rules by the Office of Revisor of Statutes as a part of its normal business functions. Therefore, the cost information reported below does not include the cost of gathering the data but rather is limited to the estimated cost of actually analyzing the data, determining recommendations and preparing this report document. Special funding was not appropriated for the costs of preparing this report. The estimated cost incurred by the Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning in preparing this report is $350.00. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, FAMILIES & LEARNING REPORT ON THE MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE Purpose of the Report Minnesota Statute §128C.20, Subdivision 1, requires the Commissioner of Children, Families & Learning (CFL) to conduct an annual review of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
    [Show full text]