In The News: The Express-Times editorial board endorses Jack Wagner for Pennsylvania auditor general and Rob McCord for treasure

Thursday, October 30,2008
The Express Times

With a hotly contested presidential race at the top of the ticket, contenders for statewide row offices need to work harder than ever this year to draw the "typical" voter attention to their races. Typical, as in, little or no. It's a shame Pennsylvania voters don't invest more time and interest in these statewide posts, including auditor general and treasurer. Both roles are important to a well-functioning state government and are more crucial than ever during our current economic roller coaster ride. The auditor general is the state's top fiscal watchdog, responsible for roughly 5,000 financial and performance audits every year. The office scrutinizes the financial ledgers of state agencies, counties, school districts, etc., to uncover wasteful spending, fraud and abuse and to recommend better spending practices. This year's race pits incumbent Democrat Jack Wagner against Republican Chet Beiler, a businessman from Lancaster County, and Libertarian Betsy Summers, a veterinary-supply saleswoman from Wilkes-Barre. Wagner, a Pittsburgh Democrat, has served taxpayers well in his first term, uncovering wasteful spending in the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, possible fraud in a state home-heating program for the poor; and enforcement problems in the state's sex-offender registration program. He is a longtime proponent of legislation that would eliminate bonuses for state government workers, such as those under investigation in "Bonusgate." Beiler, who runs the country's top gazebo manufacturer, has an impressive resume in the private sector. However, his claim that Wagner is more lapdog than watchdog simply isn't true. Wagner has demonstrated a willingness to expose poor government spending and protect taxpayer money. He deserves a second term. Republican Tom Ellis and Democrat Rob McCord are vying for treasurer in a race devoid of incumbency. Libertarian candidate Berlie Eltzel rounds out the field. Robin L. Weissman, who was appointed to the post when Bob Casey was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, chose not to run. Ellis is a lawyer and former Montgomery County and Cheltenham Township commissioner; McCord is a former congressional aide and a venture capitalist who lives in Montgomery County. Both are well-qualified. However, given his experience handling others' money as a venture capitalist, McCord is the better fit to oversee the commonwealth's finances and the pension funds for teachers and public employees.

Source: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf?/base/news-0/122533955...