The Auditor ensures that state and local governments are
accountable to the public, by auditing all public accounts, including all state
agencies, boards, and commissions, all cities, counties, schools districts,
public colleges and universities, ports, and special purpose districts. The
Auditor also administers the Whistleblower Act, and investigates citizens’
reports of government impropriety. There is a large staff to oversee budgeting,
accounting, and reporting systems statewide. And more, of course.
The outgoing incumbent, Troy Kelley, has been a major
embarrassment. He took a leave of absence to face a number of trials, which are
still ongoing, on theft and money laundering charges. Not a high recommendation
for an auditor. Time to move on.
I see two parts to the Auditor’s job. One is the nuts and
bolts of bookkeeping and making sure all the numbers line up. The other is to
dig into those numbers and make sure they were not doctored to line up.
currently Pierce County Executive previously Pierce County
Auditor
History in rape victim counseling, PTA (reduced the dropout
rate, started a public Arts high school). Went back to school, earned a degree,
and became Pierce County Auditor. Was named 2005 County Auditor of the Year by the state auditors' association. Instituted programs to increase voter
turnout, including “Voting is Cool” a k-6 program. Helped settle the 2004
election, which required multiple recounts.
Became Pierce County Executive 2008. In that position she
has had to veto “reckless irresponsible tea party budget proposals and
ordinances.”
Worked with Farmland Trust to preserve local farmland. Has
received an Innovation in Conservation” award. Has served as chair of the
Alliance for a Healthy South Sound.
A champion of open government.
Endorsed by a lot of unions, NARAL Pro-Choice, and a long
list of public officials.
education: Air Force Academy BS in engineering, University
of North Dakota MBA, Chapman University MA in clinical psychology.
“Straight talk. No nonsense.” Former 7 term state rep. Currently in state
senate. Former substitute teacher. Also former Dem until 2014. Says he changed
parties because Dems no longer tolerate his socially conservative views.
Believes Auditor should be non-partisan. Wants to “erase the shame and
embarrassment” caused by former auditor Troy Kelley. Seems to have no specific
issue other than that. He stands accused by a competing primary candidate of having
attempted to gut the Auditor’s budget.
He views the proposal by the King County heroin task force
to open 2 safe-house sites where addicts can inject under supervision as
“insanity.”
He proposes legislation to “crack down on homeless encampments
and punish local governments that do not enforce regulations on encampments.”
He blames the problems at Western State Hospital on that
institution’s inability to hire more staff. Hospital managers respond that the
legislature has cut their funds so they can’t hire any more people.
Mr Miloscia seems to have a
pretty far right and self-righteous point of view. Better crack down on those
homeless people and anyone who wants to help them. Don’t acknowledge the
reality of addiction by trying to help addicts. And of course the classic R
song and dance about how agencies can’t do their jobs – without acknowledging
that the legislature just tied their hands and kicked their feet out from under
them.
Pat McCarthy is a welcome
contrast to this self-righteous, anti-people attitude. Here is a woman who
knows the job and has done it well for a long time. Incidentally, she supports
social issues I favor, such as protection of women’s reproductive rights and
retaining open space.
I’ll be voting for Pat McCarthy.
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