1. Why are you running for Nevada State Controller?
I am running for Nevada State Controller to work in bringing opportunities to my daughter, grandchildren and fellow Nevadans which were available to me when I came here in 1990.
2. Give a brief summation of your professional and political background.
I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In have over 30 years experience in accounting in the private sector as an accountant, cost accountant and controller for national and international companies and as a CPA with several international and local firms. Currently, I am President of the Nevada Society of CPAs. Politically, I have worked with the Clark County Republican Party in various areas including, but not limited to, Candidate Recruitment during the 2010 and 2012 election cycles, platform committee in 2012 and various caucuses since the mid 2000’s. Additionally, I was the Republican candidate for State Controller in 2010 and for County Commissioner in 2012.
3. Define your political philosophy.
I am a fiscal conservative.
4. How much do you project this campaign will cost? Do you anticipate using your own money to help finance it? If so, to what degree?
I am still preparing a working budget at this time. I will be using my money to assist with my candidacy.
5. What makes you more qualified than your Primary opponents to serve as Controller?
As stated above, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In have over 30 years experience in accounting in the private sector as an accountant, cost accountant and controller for national and international companies and as a CPA with several international and local firms.
6. Define your understanding of the duties/responsibilities required of the Controller.
The Controller is responsible for the financial reporting of the State including the financial reports, claims against the state and collections of monies owed to the State. The Controller overseas the audit of the State’s financial reports by its outside auditors. The Controller is also responsible for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and other reports to its citizens and other interested parties.
7. What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the State as related to the Controller’s office? How do you propose to resolve them?
Transparency – having the State’s financial activity and reports available to the citizens. With additional transparency, the State and the various agencies will have more accountability to the citizens.
8. Nevada receives Federal Stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARRA). Do you feel this money is being properly accounted for and efficiently used?
At this time I would have to do research on how the State is currently accounting for and use of the funds and, accordingly, cannot make a determination at this time.
9. There have been calls in the past to eliminate the state Controller position, merging it into the state Treasurer’s office. Do you support such a merger? Please explain why or why not?
The Controller and the Treasurer should remain separate. With each officer separate there is a segregation of duties which would lessen conflicting interests and appearances of improprieties.
10. As Controller, would you support posting the state’s “checkbook” online on a public website, allowing taxpayers to see every expenditure?
Yes.
11. If there is an issue you are concerned about that has not already been addressed, this is your spot to address it:
In addition to the accounting and audit responsibilities, the Controller sits on various boards of the state. I will bring a fiscally conservative, common sense approach to allow for financially sound growth for the entire state of Nevada.
These interviews are posted on Nevada News & Views and NewsDesk by Nancy Dallas (www.ndbynd.com). Reposting of any interview by interested parties must include the disclaimer the interview was originally posted in the above publications. Questions or comments may be directed to Nancy Dallas at nancy@nancydallas.com or 775-847-0129.
