Editorial: Auditor General race: it’s a thing, and it matters for Pitt

What the hell is Auditor General?

This is a question you might find yourself pondering as you vote this Tuesday. Alongside a very popularized presidential race, a mildly publicized Senate race and quiet House races are little-discussed contests for three state offices: treasurer, attorney general and auditor general.

These offices are not won on ideological prowess — it is difficult to apply terms like conservative or liberal to these positions. Dictating who will become the chief financial officer, chief law enforcement officer and chief auditor for the state, the choice comes down to deciding the most able, competent and independent manager between candidates.

Of specific interest to college students should be the auditor general race. As the state’s fiscal watchdog, the auditor general is responsible for monitoring spending and making sure state agencies remain in compliance with state laws and regulations.

As a state-related institution, Pitt is allowed relatively little direct oversight. As of now, the University, along with Penn State, Temple and Lincoln, is subject to no state audits, and is only required by law to provide a few top salaries and broad revenue and expenditures through Internal Revenue Service Form 990.

However, one candidate for auditor general has spent his years in the state legislature fighting for more oversight. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, a Pitt graduate currently serving in the House, has spent much of his legislative career working toward more open-records requirements for state-related universities.

Open-records requirements are in the interest of all taxpayers and students. They would increase accountability, ultimately improving governance. Additionally, if state authorities saw no evidence of waste within budgets, Gov. Tom Corbett and other Republicans in Harrisburg would find it harder to justify a decrease in funding for higher education.

As auditor general, DePasquale will not be able to magically open up the University’s books — even his bills have been thwarted by Harrisburg’s infamous languorousness. But we can be reasonably assured that as a clear voice for reform, he will apply whatever pressure possible to ensure the proper management of funds.

This does not imply that his opponent would be bad for the state. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, boasts an impressive resumé as well, having achieved admirable reforms in open-records reporting and lobbyist disclosure law. As a certified public accountant, Maher is also particularly suited for the job of auditing.

If you are especially starved for hope this election season, convinced that the nation is fundamentally broken, you should consider this race as the antidote for these thoughts — both parties have nominated responsible candidates that will benefit the state.

However, given the fact that auditor generals must prioritize projects, DePasquale’s obvious and demonstrated passion for opening up state-related universities makes him the more likely candidate to keep Pitt accountable.

But perhaps most importantly, even if you don’t vote for DePasquale, be comforted that there are two good public servants in this race. Even if the choices at the top of your ballot make you cringe, the two names at the bottom in this race give a reason for hope.