Candidate questionnaire: Susan Montee

Candidate Name: Susan Montee

Party: Democratic

Age: 51

Place of birth: St. Joseph, Mo.

Spouse:

Children: Amanda, Austin, Andy

Occupation: Missouri State Auditor

Education: Certified Public Accountant / CPA; Accounting Degree / Drury College, Springfield, Mo.; Law Degree, University of Missouri, Kansas City

Employer: Elected State Auditor

Businesses owned, all or part: CPA, Private Practice Attorney

Previous offices held/sought: Missouri State Auditor, 2007-Present; Buchanan County Auditor, 2000-2006; City Councilwoman, St. Joseph 1998-2002

Question 1: Missouri has seen two straight years with steep declines in revenue. Where should the auditor's office put special emphasis to find savings?

Answer: As Missouri State Auditor, my office has pointed out that fiscal notes associated with Missouri tax credit programs do not accurately project the financial impact on the state's General Revenue Fund collections. For 15 tax credit programs reviewed, the actual redemptions exceeded the projected long term fiscal impact by a net amount of over $1.1 billion for the 5 years ended June 30, 2009.

Question 2: What additional powers does the auditor's office need to do its job more effectively?

Answer: I have used my background as a CPA and front line auditor to identify overlap in the state auditor's office and make significant organizational changes. I streamlined procedures and standardized reporting. The increase of shared staff and resources allows the office to run more efficiently. I also implemented an instantaneous electronic alert system where Missouri citizens can be notified when new audit reports are issued.

Question 3: Three of the last five auditors have sought other offices while serving. Do you have ambitions beyond the auditor's office?

Answer: In 2006, I promised to serve as a full-time State Auditor and have lived up to that promise. With Missouri reeling economically, I'm asking for another term in order to continue the important work of putting both state and federal officials on notice, with our emphasis on tracking the expenditure of federal recovery dollars. I have been critical of the lack of procedures in place prior to the planned awarding of funds.

Question 4: Three of the last four auditors have been CPAs, though it is not a requirement for the job. Is being a CPA important? Why or why not?

Answer: I believe it is very important, my being a CPA as well as an attorney has proved a powerful combination in conducting thorough informative audits. Adhering to strict governmental auditing standards, we in the state auditor's office have uncovered problems with governments at all levels and have offered recommendations for officials to consider in making needed improvements, as much of Southeast Missouri, and the rest of the state, can attest.

Closing remarks: We have been extremely effective in identifying how the lack of audit controls among state and local governments has created substantial concern for taxpayers throughout Missouri. The politically neutral role CPA's adhere to, and the audits we produce, effectively point out problems confronting our state. I believe our audits must be easily understood and speak for themselves. In that regard, protecting the State Auditor's Office from outside political influence or motivations remains absolutely crucial.