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Friday, July 21, 2006
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State auditor Anderson stumps for new term
Associate Editor State Auditor Pat Anderson is seeking re-election to her post based on her record during the past four years. She said this week while in Brainerd that she's increased the amount of information that's available online and conducted studies that have proved valuable in assessing local government.
"I think I've been a pretty good watchdog," she said.
In about six weeks she expects to unveil a report dealing with the cost of post-employment benefits offered by local units of government - a topic she expects will be a big issue in the future. Many governmental units have made post-employment commitments but haven't funded those commitments, she said. The post-employment benefits are often health-care benefits, she said. She estimated the total liability for such benefits for cities, counties and school districts exceeds $3 billion.
Describing herself as an active auditor, Anderson said she has issued reports that provide citizens with context about school districts' administrative costs in relation to other districts.
Elected to her current post in 2002, Anderson previously served as mayor of Eagan, the state's eighth-largest city, and on the Eagan City Council. She started two businesses before her election as auditor. She earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of Minnesota and her master's degree in public administration from Hamline University in St. Paul.
Anderson and her four children live in Eagan. She was named one of Minnesota's "Top 40 Business and Community Leaders under 40" by City Business.
While admitting that Republicans running for federal offices might have a tough time of it, the state auditor isn't worried by predictions that Republicans will face challenging campaigns because of President George Bush's low approval ratings.
"Minnesota voters have always made separation between state and federal politics," she said. "The governor's record in Minnesota has nothing to do with the war or Bush. I don't think that will affect our races at all."
MIKE O'ROURKE can be reached at mike.orourke@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5860.
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