Age
41
Highest post-secondary educ
M.S., Western Governors University, accounting
Occupation
Senior accountant
My top three priorities, should I be elected to serve as state auditor are: 1) complete removal of any whiff of partisan politics from the auditor's office; 2) restoring, to the extent the auditor's office can, fiscal discipline and budgeting practices; and 3) modernization of financial fraud and waste detection using data analytics.
In terms of education, I hold a master's degree in accounting and am presently a CPA candidate. In terms of experience, I have worked in accounting for the last eight years, leading teams and working directly with CEOs and CFOs. In addition, I previously worked in a highly controlled industry for the past 10 years. In terms of politics, I'm not beholden to any donors.
Age
38
Public elected offices held
State representative, District 158, 2013-2019; state treasurer, 2019-2023; state auditor, 2023-present
Highest post-secondary educ
BSBA, University Of Missouri-Columbia
Incumbent?
Yes
As auditor, my goal has been and will continue to be a simple one: protect taxpayers, hold government accountable for how it uses your money and point out ways government can work better for the people it serves. I especially want to continue to provide more thorough oversight of public education dollars and review the efficiency and effectiveness of state programs.
I’ve built a successful business that weathered the Great Recession, served in the Legislature where I became chairman of the House Budget Committee, served as state treasurer and now serve as state auditor. Those experiences prepared me to be an independent watchdog who isn’t afraid to call balls and strikes, hold government accountable and protect Missouri taxpayers.
Age
57
Highest post-secondary educ
M.S., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, public administration
Occupation
Proprietor
1) My top priority is to be the watchdog for Missouri taxpayers. I will have a fiduciary responsibility to all Missourians. 2) My second priority is to be your eyes and ears in the state government and to hold those officials accountable as well. 3) My third priority is transparency. I want everyone in the state to know exactly where their tax dollars are spent.
I have owned and operated businesses for over 30 years and my present business for over 16 years. I deal with the public on a regular basis. I also hold a master's degree in public administration and sit on several boards and committees throughout my community.
Age
71
Highest post-secondary educ
MBA, St. Louis University
Occupation
Self-employed
1) Preventing waste, fraud and abuse, not just reporting on it. 2) Providing more independent, effective and collaborative oversight of state and local governments to help them achieve the cost-effective results that matter most to people. 3) Achieving an average annual reduction in government costs of $1 billion.
Through efforts I led while serving in top state management positions, including as director of the Department of Revenue, Missouri was ranked the best-managed state in America. We're now ranked 31 and Amendments 4 and 5 would make things even worse. My experience and ideas for overcoming these problems make me the candidate best prepared to serve as state auditor.
Age
67
Highest post-secondary educ
MBA, DePaul University, management information systems
Occupation
Information systems auditor, semi-retired
1) Increase staffing to the allocated level to provide more audits for assurance to the citizens. 2) Increase transparency by providing more accessible information online for the public, while encouraging state and local government information online as well. 3) Increase communication/engagement with the public/government in local citizen meetings all around the state.
I have been a long-term professional auditor, helping improve controls with practical, effective and efficient solutions to meet business goals. I have been certified in information system auditing and security, as well as teaching system audit. I have been involved with politics and grassroots groups for a long time, discussing issues with citizens and elected officials.
