Brian Sonntag, former 20 year State Auditor and current Washington Policy Center Board member, issued this statement today on the importance of public trust in State Auditor:
The founders of Washington State didn't like or trust government very much. They established several separate elected offices. As an example of their populist bent they created a very independent office of State Auditor. Tasked with the responsibility to audit the accounts and activities of every government agency in the state, the Auditor holds small boards and commissions as well as large state and local entities accountable to the citizens they serve. Currently there are nearly 2,700 different government agencies that come under the scrutiny of the State Auditor.
The only real issue for the office of State Auditor is accountability. To make certain citizens have access to information so they can judge for themselves the performance of public officials and their conduct and decision making.
To effectively meet this responsibility the Auditor's office must be above any reproach. From frontline employees to the elected officeholder there cannot be a hint of impropriety. Citizens expect, demand and deserve nothing less. Credibility is lost if there are questions surrounding the ability to be objective.
The Auditor's Office (and Auditor) must be held to a higher standard because that is the office our state's founders identified as the public guardian. The public's watchdog that they can trust when it comes to transparency, accountability and openness.
This public trust is fragile. And when broken it's not easy to rebuild.
The Auditor has a huge responsibility. But with that responsibility comes an opportunity to really make a difference. To act independently in the interest of the citizens who you work for. To put the public interest first. To make sure government's doors are open. And to be worthy of this responsibility. That is how respect is earned. That is how the public trust is built.
