Vision
The role of the Taxpayers’ Watchdog
is not merely symbolic. Budgeting clarity and accurate financial
audits will help our leaders to make meaningful budget comparisons
so they can impact the future, rather than just react to it.
Elimination of waste, fraud and abuse will directly save taxpayers
money. We pay taxes for a purpose, and it is ultimately the role of
the State Auditor to ensure that our tax dollars go to the purposes
for which the dollars are intended.
|
My vision for State Auditor:
In my role as the
“Taxpayers’ Watchdog,” it is my duty to report directly
to the people of Iowa on the condition of the State’s
finances.
Whether Republicans or Democrats are
leading state government, I will continue to provide a
fair and honest assessment of our state's finances.
In addition to
delivering annual briefings about the Governor’s and
Legislature’s budget proposals, I have educated people
across the state concerning Iowa’s budgeting process. If
you are interested in having me speak to your civic or
professional organization regarding the state of Iowa's
budget, please email me using the link on this website.
State government needs to be run
effectively and efficiently. Often state government is
very good at throwing money at a problem and not
checking for intended results. That's why, as your State
Auditor, I will continue to help i dentify
and prevent waste, fraud and abuse wherever they exist
in government to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent
appropriately.
The budget numbers
presented in the budget documents (and therefore
reported in the media) only reflect the General Fund
monies. By shifting expenditures to other funds and
special accounts, you never see that the real cost of
providing General Fund services is actually 8% more. I
will continue
to work for greater clarity in the budgeting process so
taxpayers can understand the true cost of government
services.
State government, like Iowa families, must balance its
checkbook. The state cannot spend more than it takes in.
I will continue to work to make sure that Iowa's budgets
are understandable and honest, not built on creative
accounting. I will continue to work with the Governor
and Legislature to find and eliminate waste and
duplication in state government. Using my 30 years of
practical business experience, I will continue to lead
the charge to control state spending.
|
