AUDITOR HOPEFUL DANNER OUTLINES 15-POINT PLAN

Kicking off his campaign with an 11-city tour, state Sen. Steve Danner said Wednesday that if elected state auditor he would make audits more timely, provide greater assistance to local governments, and protect individuals who report waste and abuse of tax dollars.

"Far too many taxpayers have lost faith in government because of the scandals and abuse of public resources," said Danner, a Democrat who is challenging Auditor Margaret Kelly, a Republican.

In front of the Common Pleas Courthouse, Danner outlined a 15-point plan he said he would implement as auditor.

Danner maintained Kelly has not assisted local governments or followed up on recommendations she has made in audits, and has missed obvious fraud and abuse such as problems with the 2nd Injury Fund in the attorney general's office.

"She criticized a local sheriff for spending a small amount of money for flowers for the funeral of a deputy, but she missed the 2nd Injury Fund scandal, which cost taxpayers millions," said Danner. "She is like a watchdog who chases the mailman down the street while burglars loot the house."

Danner said the auditor's office has been criticized by the National State Auditor's Association for not better identifying situations indicative of illegal acts.

In dealing with local governments, Danner said he would change the emphasis of the office to make it more user friendly and provide more technical and legal assistance for local governments. Rather than trying to turn a few minor problems into big headlines, Danner said he would attempt to help local officials do their jobs better and make efficient use of tax dollars.

Danner cited St. Joseph municipal court as an example where Kelly did not have proper follow-up. In a 1991 audit, the office recommended the municipal court tighten the way it handles accounts and cash, but the changes were never implemented and the auditor's office did not follow up.

On Sept 20, one of the court clerk's pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10,000. Danner said the auditor's office took four months responding to a request from the prosecutor to find out how much money was missing.

Danner said the state auditor needs to be tough, independent, and willing to blow the whistle on fraud and abuse. "Margaret Kelly falls short on all three counts," said Danner, who accused Kelly of putting her party and personal political fortunes ahead of the interest of taxpayers.

Danner said he would make a number of changes in the way the office is operated to see that audits are released more timely and follow-ups are conducted. He said the auditor's office could be helpful in promoting the concept of zero-based budgeting and working with the legislature on program oversight.

To encourage state employees to report fraud or abuse, Danner said he will push for legislation to prevent punitive action against "whistle blowers" and to offer incentives for state workers who identify ways to save the state money.