Click on this for printable version: Voters Guide Primary 2016 Auditor
Voters Guide State Auditor May 10, 2016 Primary Election
This candidate information is brought to you by the League of Women Voters of West Virginia as a public service. Candidate responses are printed exactly as received, including spelling, grammar and content. Candidates’ responses were limited to 60 words.
Candidates for State Auditor
Democratic Candidates for State Auditor
Candidate: Mary Ann Claytor
County of Residence: Kanawha
Party: Democrat
Biography
I’m a coal-miner’s daughter and life-long resident of WV. I worked as a state auditor for the State Auditor’s Office for over 20 years until the sudden illness of my son.
I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Howard “Cookie” Claytor III, for over 30 years. We
enjoy spending time with our three children and our four grandchildren.
- What changes would you make in the operation of the auditor’s office?My main focus initially is: Returning full transparency to government because the citizens deserve to have all the details, developing uniform hiring processes, improving the training of staff and local governments to include satellite training options, lowering audit costs without lowering services, and capping administrative salaries until such time that lower paid employees can receive competitive pay for their services.
- What experience, training or education do you have that makes you the best qualified candidate for this office?The only candidate for State Auditor with over 20 years of experience in the following areas: governmental accounting, training local governments and state auditors, working at the auditor’s office, performing compliance and financial audits, holding local governments fiscally accountable, and ensuring expenditures of local governments are in compliance with the laws and regulations of West Virginia. #therightskillsmatter Go to MaryAnnClaytor.com
Candidate: Jason Pizatella
County of Residence: Marion
Party: Democrat
Biography
A lifelong West Virginian and Fairmont native, I graduated from WVU and the WVU College of Law. I practiced law at a firm before joining state government. My government service has included numerous leadership roles: Deputy State Tax Commissioner, separately as Acting Secretary of the Departments of Administration and Revenue, Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and liaison to the Legislature.
- What changes would you make in the operation of the auditor’s office?This election provides an opportunity to offer fresh ideas on this Office. One potential change will be the reorganization of its divisions. With almost every function automated, it is likely that all aren’t necessary. I will maximize the newest technology and will modify the leadership structure to be more efficient at performing our tasks, and at a lower cost
- What experience, training or education do you have that makes you the best qualified candidate for this office?
The varying functions of the Auditor’s Office and its eight divisions require not only a skilled manager, but a proven leader and someone who understands the Legislature, the day to day operations of state government, and its interaction with, and services provided to, local governments. I am the only candidate that possesses those qualifications and wide-ranging experience.
Candidate: Robin Righter
County of Residence: Harrison
Party: Democrat
Biography
I have a B.S. in Accounting and the designation of Certified Treasury Professional. I have previously worked as the Purchasing Card Program Administrator and Deputy Social Security Administrator for the WVSAO, was the COO for a Community Action Agency, and I currently own a restaurant, an apparel printing business, and am a licensed insurance agent. My website is righterforwv.com.
- What changes would you make in the operation of the auditor’s office?I would examine the procedures of the Chief Inspector’s Division and attempt to determine if there is a way to ensure audits are able to be completed in a more efficient manner. I would also seek to ensure the safety of all electronic payments. It is imperative that we protect the legitimacy of electronic commerce.
- What experience, training or education do you have that makes you the best qualified candidate for this office?I have a degree in accounting and obtained the designation of Certified Treasury Professional. I previously worked for the WVSAO where I gained an understanding of state government and the programs the Auditor oversees. I was the Chief Operations Officer where I supervised 150 employees. I also have private business experience. I believe these aspects qualify me for the position.
Republican Candidate for State Auditor
Candidate: John McCuskey
County of Residence:
Party: Republican
Candidate did not reply.