Mary Connaugton for State Auditor

You joining us now on the Charlie Manning show is the candidate for state auditor Mary easy Condit and how are you -- they Charlie it's going great I'm doing well looking forward to continuing to campaign hard over the next 1011 days. Until Election Day on November 2 but -- speak quickly approaching. It sure is when you won't believe how fast the time goes between now and then I went a putting the screen up here it's like -- February the old ones that. So it done that's there that's there are very hard job like this if that texting screen right here and we do tax and we have online and we have your calls. If you'd like to if you question for Mary -- you wanna give us a call. So if you would just say hi 6172666868. So. What. You've been running now for a year and a half really -- probably all right you -- at this point did you ever think you'd do day would come that the election would finally be what just about ten days away it seems so far out for so long now it's actually here it's really exciting -- the of the troops are really revved up. In Indiana to it is stronger momentum is -- And if you really good about things going into the next several things that's for sure you know I I always say to people when I speak to groups of potential candidates. I would say who want great thing about campaigns are that's like nothing else really in life. He is there's a definite beginning there's a definite in in India and you know who won have and that doesn't happen very -- I mean it's like. Up -- I remember when the Sox finally won in 2004. Mitt was governor. And we have this little celebration at the Statehouse in May and the and Jason Varitek came up a -- was MVP in the series Jason Varitek was. The captain of the Red Sox. And of course Jason Varitek came 45 minutes early were hanging around -- office talking to -- he was talking about the season. And he was still sort of floating on that cloud of having wine. And after a late run we're talking about it and Heath and I said. It's just like campaign. You know they usually season is just like you can't -- you don't think he can keep going you don't think you can do it. Then you just get to the end in the name. On that election night by 10 o'clock 11 o'clock. You can look at the vote totals than in the that's the gore read this thing about our country is the voters decide absolutely a democracy is wonderful I'm sure all. Candidates right now are probably running on the same thing that I'm running on. And that's adrenaline to it because candidates who don't get a whole lot of sleep we don't eat right during this certainly at this stage of the campaign and and there's something that just keeps you awake keeps you excited about it and it's gotta be that adrenaline. In its pumping through my my veins and arteries right now pretty strongly. You know it's funny I'm not do because I'm doing Michelle I can't do any campaigns this year it's for the first time in what may be like thirty years I'm not working on campaigns. And I still that this -- stage I think I can help in a market like 430 in my wife's. Honey come back to bed -- not doing getting -- things this year. Yeah I know but I got to jump on the computer see what's on -- see what's going exactly and I don't know would your campaign and Charlie the. And although all the gang it's amazing it really is higher right after this keep the coffee's made and then that the Internet via. Dick Dell laptop is on my lap and they are AM on the Internet answering emails looking at the news looking at what's going on can't wait to get out of bed in the morning that's after going to bed very late at night. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- And my youngest son came up to Meehan said mommy. I got the bus driver to vote freely colloquial and it's really funny because. I ran to so there's there's a dedication of the new beautiful athletic complex of premium products feel this great. A lot of people are out there and some came up to mean in instead. Do you know that Dennis campaigning for you -- funniest thing. It's great he's so proud and. -- the net parades that need to be certainly there election night. They're they're just very much having. It seemed the world from a different perspective of I'm sure they're looking into. Forward to November 3 and -- around more -- get money back I really well they know it's -- term thing in my husband's been terrific. In supporting the family in in pet -- them the cub scout meetings and soccer practices and all that it's working out well. 617666060. If you like to talk to Mary C Condit in the candidate for state auditor so. You're running against Suzanne Bump with -- Suzanne on in the show well I talked to her about the issues and everything is if you work. Speaking to a group of voters right now and you are the -- listening in their cars and in their home Mary. What's the biggest difference why should people vote -- you instead of your opponent. Well you know it's you need to be an attorney -- attorney general I tell people there's no. Requirement for state auditor and they throw up their hands they say will marry this is Massachusetts what do you this act. And I so that's not Massachusetts where I wanna raise my children I think the hardest job should be held their professional. Not a politician and someone that's going to be independent. Not catering to special interest groups have a track record of being independent on the turnpike board with both Republican chairs and Democrat chairs. In as a CPA and held to a very high standard of independence I can't be political might licenses on the line. That's the shore so what give us to rethink I'm sure you've studied the office Joe is -- really knows Joe Khannouchi stepping down and he's retiring. What do the first stirrings three things that you would do with state auditor. If you're fortunate enough to be elected in take office in January but the first thing during the transition I would look to the auditors office so it -- to -- Ask our employees to re apply for their jobs. And retain only those that have the qualifications to do that -- where they -- at your disposal as auditor they're not you're not gonna be stuck with a group of people like I know a lot of times when you take over a government agency. They're career employees there in the union you can't touch on the auditors office isn't that way that. The did people in the office serve at the pleasure of the auditor right so there's -- and that's that's important because the auditor does need to be independent. I noticed some very high quality people in that office and Doug that's important to make sure that that that that the people with the qualifications stay. But as a CPA again -- -- to a very high standard with respect to supervision. And and staffing so I have to do this right I have to have properly qualified people serving with me. And then I'd also ask for every few independent review of the auditors -- internal procedures and and standards at that one I understand hasn't been done for. Many many years than minimum requirement typically for states is once every three years. -- independent group coming in look at the process but that hasn't happened now call for that. I would also filed legislation. To have the two -- To get the state legislature audited so good luck with -- I'm sure that will fly right -- -- the -- mr. speaker in this is -- senate president -- wanted to pass that one right away all right let's transparency is key and there's a sixty million dollar budget appropriation Daryn I would hold them accountable I know -- this legislation has been filed in the past. It goes that place study committee -- just languishes. And I would use the Internet I would use talk radio are we use media to keep it to hold. Those committee members accountable so they know that people are watching and they're not this this piece of legislation can't Disco and the circular file. Without notice. And filing what I do is they do an overall us risk assessment of the state to find out. Where the greatest areas of risk -- to make sure that our tax dollars are properly spent. Risks of weak internal controls weak risk of wasteful spending lack of compliance with risk of fraud. And then define did determine that develop an -- program to go after those areas it but among those. You know -- health care spending in Massachusetts is certainly key area. The -- Department of Transportation. You know which you which occurred last year during transportation reform it's very complicated. Organizations and authority and a lot of the money that used to be appropriate to the legislature. Now we spent by around the board. So they're not accountable to elected officials -- it's -- it's an area that I think is it is a place that the auditors should I'm going to look at to make sure that the money's really being spent well. 6172666860. If you like to talk to Mary C Condit in the candidate for state auditor. 21 of the 22. Possible choices that you have on the ballot on November 2 617666868. Or you can text us at 68680. If you got a question you're running around you don't have a chance to -- on the phone just texted to us and -- Mary's they. Let's see 978. Says very easy is a breath of fresh shared goal Mary from a former Democrat. Not NRA Greg I gotta get a lot of format if you just get Republican vote to not go as far as our president descendants yeah. -- yeah Republicans and Democrats and former Democrats. Let's grab a call here we have let's start with god Jane's and -- you're on the air with Mary -- -- in the candidate for state auditor. Morning Harry good morning genes or hi how are you are afternoon James we're -- -- not a new -- I don't are very much they are still mourning the -- Well no no no they're -- mistake I'm gonna I don't there -- -- work and I started earlier I didn't know what I want are not -- got -- unlike. Column anyway. The guy I DR early on I was just supporting -- gain from all. Yeah I AP. Director of the prospective do it is total transparency. I am. Tim -- on on putting the the audit trail online. Is that something you're willing and you know willing to to push forward. Not. I have a whole lot of respect for come -- And I think is that he was by the way folks if you haven't heard front of him he was the other candidate in the Republican primary yes and he was he's a businessman ride so it was Mary and -- -- in the primary Mary wind and now she's moving on so. In case you hadn't heard of -- that's who years. In the good news is that when the legislature passed it's budget this year. They included a provision whereby all -- all transactions. For the state with some some. That was it impact people's privacy issues if they're getting assistance but for the most part are transactions will be available on line. -- the state comptroller's office. -- what I would you state charter. Would be to make sure that those transactions are completely inaccurate so that's a great pain in Kabul that a great job of getting the message out as to how important. -- that transparency at that level Liz but transparency is key for healthy government. As justice Brandeis once said of the Supreme Court. Sunshine is is the best disinfectant. And I certainly plan to bring a whole lot of it has to do to Beacon Hill. In have a website they're really shows what's going on I you know the federal stimulus money. At billions of dollars how is that money being spent who's doing the cost benefit analysis to determine what projects should move forward. In -- those projects competitively bid. We'll find out -- it would -- a state auditor I would put all that online to people who could find out really what's happening. You know what drives me crazy Mary is that the other red state audit reports before and -- in like this little blue book and they lay out how you know there's a problem in money was wasted and then what the agents the is doing to try to fix the problem and everything that's basically what all the state audit reports say. And they never name means. They never say the head of this part of the agency. Obviously wasn't paying attention to business in 37 million dollars was lost. And I know Joe was a good guy AI judge in new QB can help guide then a rap and -- chairman and everything before it became state auditor. Are your audit reports gonna name names will you hold people responsible. By the I think accountability is key and semi decent standards that might. Might not have names -- the to the extent that it's possible to put names of course because that's where. That's for the two accountability occurs if it's not names it's certainly could be titles so that the title of the person would make it clear. As to who who was that was in this. Particular position at that time is that no people knowing that that could possibly happen. We'll keep them doing the right thing in the first place and I want every elected official I want every public employee. That's making decisions impacting our money in our policies to think before they inactive policy. I want them to think. Is this constant proof. And then that is -- great and they know they caught up to improve fight like a guy up. And then -- and they know they saw me work on the turnpike board they know I mean business and not business as usual. And they know I'll be watching. It. A very good I like that I like that it's -- let's go to law Paul in winter appear next with Gary condit's in the candidate for state auditor. -- Jelena we -- today so -- -- -- -- I'm sure our hero is thank you other radio as they usually -- and putting up campaign side of my old. They wanna say hello to love buried deep in idea and I -- better at several times I wanted to -- -- story that. Well my involvement. And make a decision to finally get involved -- because -- my goal -- a story -- -- told. Of her trip separation from -- in private individual. To go first base used to help for the bakery extended her hand to. It does that we -- not running or. Scioscia gave inspiration to do it myself hello wanna say a lower area on several occasions -- -- being trail as well. Are terrific -- that's great I'll never forget that first handshake I did it was in 2004. As running for state reconcile framing him and actually under the the -- and. I went to the exit -- framing him bakery a great stop and -- put my hand out in and and it was a transformation I became a candidate. And it was really exhilarating. The end is nothing like running for office seeking can't be compared to anything. -- perhaps sports I think Charlie made -- great analogy with sports. But it's really something else that's honour even to be considered for such a position and I wish you the best of luck in what you're running for. -- what are you running for what's your name what you give yourself a quick dad. Well wolf thank you Charlie had all Karachi -- -- I know that Mary would I recognized me and already a governance council in the sixth district of Massachusetts it's Jerry Austin although we shall direct and it's -- It's gonna -- struggle but it's something that a majority as has Perry says the evidence they've experienced. This year relays and also that same odd feeling of acceleration at first I mean. Stingy and it'll say my name has been running for so it's a great thing and I think. I wish her the best blocked by -- vote they we have a great -- Jim -- -- -- Hey good luck to you to pop 6172666868. Let's go to Bob Michael and Dorchester your next with Mary's he can't attend. -- -- we met allows 67 months back in Brookline there was in the morning. You were which some people will try introduced myself do you call me my name is Mike Arnold at. Idea. Moral fortitude and I'm telling their RVW that Carol well we all spoke out and so but I had a nice start with insured heroes the other daylight -- a friend of yours also -- Oh you are great guard Charlie should be -- -- Sergio. There's some great people at com all Charlie I want to ask you again I've got my fingers crossed from Marion and carefully go. Com I live in Suffolk -- element Dorchester okay. I'm I'm probably the biggest -- in the world and here's my thing and about just other people have never yet got a satisfactory. Answer. Come November when the election -- be hopefully a lot of new faces of the state house I'm sure of that okay. But my feeling there's been Suffolk County there is nothing that is gonna change. And my feeling is that -- probably controls. Poll. It's -- Allstate everybody everything else is just that lockstep. What these people because of this special interest groups unions. Whatever. Again not got my fingers crossed her from variant and -- we go well baker how how do you think they're if you -- cheap shot account each. And maybe here -- just how do you deal with -- like ensure -- legislature. Well I'll tell you I've seen candidates. Why easily use the Boston Paul's to get themselves selected Peter blue was -- state representative you know it's a Republican he was a back venture. He spent 33 terms I think in the legislature. -- went out ran for congress I rode in the third district it's the -- McGovern has now but because he told the folks out there he stood up to the boys in Boston. Innate cool like that in one of the big problems is that a lot of the reps and senators come in from the hinterlands. In the boys from Boston. Sort of win them over in what I think. I I could be wrong I think at least the last three speakers were all from Suffolk County for instance. Told I knew how deeply -- change thanks if you can get hasn't done okay but a -- -- and you don't. Yell because -- -- people who are independent. And stand up for the voters -- -- easy woods. In these important jobs in the and that will diminish the role of the Suffolk County gang I absolutely do believe. We -- short question that. Obviously. Things are broken okay big time -- always -- that the people who blow vote in abysmal numbers. In soccer currently able vishay also they more they don't ball. How was that they can't see how bad they were being governed at City Hall in the state out schedule blows me away. Well you know there was a pretty spirited governor's race this year I mean -- mayor's race last year and I think it ended up being closer than a lot of people thought. And dom I think will probably you know I I do like him respect Tom Menino but I think we'll have probably be having a new mayor in the next couple years. And I'm not speaking to Mary and just speaking for myself. But I know you mean it's hard to win and -- I mean look at the only congressman who was in facing. A big challenge is the real true urban congressmen Mike -- one -- Because the urban areas -- people just one vote lockstep Democrat. Now I hope a lot of them are gonna consider someone like Mary C because I think she brings. Lots of the table that's for sure well it's interesting Mike I'm. For affirmed I think very rarely does -- national association of government employees endorse a Republican. But just to show that I think the world is changing. I went in and I talked to them in a few hours later. They called me up in gave me a glowing endorsement. To be the next state auditor. I think people all around our understand that the course that -- on business as usual. Isn't going to work -- I think this is going to keep breakthrough year for a lot of people many Democrats who have never written a check for Republican. Have contributed to my campaign. Many Democrats who have never voted for Republican. Have promised me their vote I think we're on the cusp of a major change so I'm hopeful that that people seem odd looking long term. And realize that just looking at the short term. A situation isn't enough and they see what's on the horizon in this is the year we will -- making huge difference. A huge difference that's exactly right -- couple more text messages 71 says I've been telling everyone I know to vote for Mary. I love it keeps telling them seven they -- election days approaching. 78 another 71 says what a great candidate it would be a crime if she does not win. Don't lose any sleep just work out it worked gad had joined -- work at it right up to -- November 2 that's a short. They -- and a half -- well enough may be joining us this Election Day you're closer one more time would love to have you can I plug my website for us please do please visit Mary for auditor dark Connie can learn more about my campaign he could sign from on science it's time for stand -- to help put on Election Day -- bumper sticker all that really matters. Dear friend cards off that please visit Mary for auditors dot com and and it's great to talk you off in series he -- it's in which has been endorsed this week by the Boston Herald in the Worcester Telegram similarly I think -- -- other endorsements come and on the fight we know about not yet but I'm very thrilled to get both of those that's great all right Mary C content thanks for joining -- candidate for state -- -- we're gonna take a break. It will be joined by a candidate. For congress here on the -- mending job. 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