Statement: New Race, Same Goal -- Fix Auditor's Office
As has been reported in multiple newspapers, it appears that Ohio's State Auditor Mary Taylor will announce today that she will not seek re-election. With numerous politicians publicly saying they have no interest in the job, a search is now on for a candidate who wants to be the State's Auditor.
We'll have to wait and see how that void is filled.
In the meantime, this newly open seat presents an enormous opportunity to change things at the Auditor's Office. And through this campaign, we will continue to explain across the state what the Auditor can do for Ohio communities and families under the right leadership. Too many of our families are hurting, and they deserve to have an Auditor who will be a tough, independent watchdog for them, their interests, and their taxpayer dollars.
That's what I have worked to do on the Cincinnati City Council and the Hamilton County Commission. From lowering tax rates and pushing for cost-saving reforms at the City, to cutting spending, fighting foreclosures and reducing costs for families in the County, that's my record.
In one way, though, this week's announcement underscores what I've long emphasized about the unfortunate direction of today's State Auditor office.
At the top levels, the work and tone of the office have become overtly political and partisan, designed to get headlines and score political points.
Multiple newspapers have highlighted this trend. And unfortunately, I have no doubt it will continue, now through the end of the year.
This all comes at a huge cost. Not only has it led to thousands of taxpayer dollars being wasted on frivolous spending. But it has sacrificed the central and necessary element of any good audit operation--objectivity and independence. Without that, the mission and effectiveness of the Auditor's work is entirely undermined.
So while the only person who has shown interest in running in Auditor Taylor's place has declared his intention to
continue her "legacy," I couldn't disagree more.
More of the same is not acceptable. We can't afford any more missed opportunities to reform government and get it running better at less cost. And we certainly can't afford to have the Auditor office itself engaging in wasteful spending.
Instead, what we need is a dramatic change in direction . . . to an Auditor who will be an independent watchdog to eliminate waste, enhance accountability, reform government so communities can compete for and create jobs, and stand up for hard working families across the state.
With your help, that will be my gameplan as Ohio's next State Auditor.