Q & A about the Auditor’s office:

 

What exactly is the State Auditor?

The Auditor is the Delaware’s Taxpayer Watchdog.  The office provides oversight of the State’s use of taxpayer dollars with the goal of deterring waste, fraud, and abuse.

When run properly, the Auditor’s Office helps answer the questions of:

• Are Delaware’s resources being managed in compliance the law?
• Are Delaware’s programs achieving their objectives and desired outcomes?
• Are Delaware’s government services being provided effectively and efficiently?

Are there different types of audits?

The Auditor’s Office performs various financial audits as well as special reports and performance audits designed to ensure compliance with Delaware law, as well as provide recommendations to enhance governmental efficiency and effectiveness.

Why is the Auditor an elected position?

Excellent question!  The Delaware Constitution provides that the Auditor of Accounts be elected every four years.

Should the Auditor remain an elected position?

Another great question!  The State Auditor is one of only six state officials that is accountable directly to all of the people of Delaware.  If the position was not elected, the Auditor would have to be appointed.  This would mean that the majority party would have the ability to install the person it wanted as the Auditor without any say of the people.  That sounds a little like the fox guarding the hen house! 

What are the qualifications for Auditor?

There are only two qualifications for Auditor under Delaware law:  age and residence. 

To learn more about why I’m uniquely qualified to serve as Delaware’s next Auditor click here.

What skills and characteristics should the Auditor possess?

The first words that come to mind are:  Analytical, Independent, and Objective.

The Auditor is like a Baseball Umpire who calls balls and strikes no matter which team is up to bat.  You want an Auditor who: (1) knows the rules; (2) will be fair; and (3) has a backbone.  We’ve all been to sporting events where the referee umpire has let the players, coaches or crowd get out of hand.  It typically doesn’t go well and may end in one or more people being ejected.  

How can the office best serve the public? 

As Auditor I will provide timely, fact based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayer dollars.  My top priority will be to return the Office back to the people of Delaware by performing the required audits and not use the office to further a political agenda.  I will bring checks and balances on government spending, restore transparency and accountability, and bring confidence back to our government.  I will be an independent watchdog of the people to ensure that Delawareans’ hard-earned tax dollars are not wasted.   

What are the top three issues for this office in your view? 

• Independence and Objectivity:  The Office of the State Auditor should be an independent, nonpartisan watchdog of Delaware’s finances.  No government body at any level should get a free pass from accountability and transparency.  The Auditor must be willing to follow the money wherever it leads.  As Auditor I promise to keep partisan politics out of the office and to serve ALL Delawareans.  
• Ensuring Accountability:  Eliminating waste, fraud and abuse will be the cornerstone of Auditor’s Office.  I will ask the hard questions of elected and appointed officials and ensure agencies are held accountable for their spending decisions. 
• Fighting for Transparent Government:  Decisions need to be made in accordance with the law and in the light of day – not with a handshake in a backroom.  I will work to ensure that Delawareans fully understand how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent, how government contracts are awarded, and how we measure the results of our investments. 

Are there any new initiatives or changes you would bring to the office? 

First and foremost, the audits required by State statute must be performed within the proper time frame.  Second, identifying and ensuring that the office is funded and staffed at a level that allows the Auditor’s office to successfully serve as the taxpayer’s watchdog and meet its mission of combating waste, fraud and abuse.  This includes seeking alternative sources of funding outside of the state budget to make sure that the required state audits are fully funded. 

Do you believe Delaware would benefit from an inspector general? 

While additional oversight of government officials a good thing, the proposed Inspector General would be an appointed position.  When you have a one party system and the ruling party appoints the Inspector General to investigate corruption by government officials, that is a lot like the fox guarding the chicken coop!  On the other hand, the Auditor is elected directly by the voters and answers directly to the people of Delaware, not a political party.