Left In Lowell

So you’re going to vote on Tuesday. Good on you! After all, that’s what democracy is all about.

Usually, our ballots, even on gubernatorial years, have many line items that are unopposed or nearly so. But this year, we’re blessed (cursed?) with many open seats or challenges with contested situations. So much so, that it can be hard to keep track of. Many people will fail to fill in the ovals for several of these races just because they do not feel they know the candidates.

In the auditor’s race, the contest is heated and close. The two big candidates in the race are Democrat Suzanne Bump and Republican Mary Connaughton. Both got through primaries to gain the nomination. At first glance, Connaughton doesn’t seem so bad - she has a background in finances. Both Bump and Connaughton seem qualified and able to to the job. And, you might ask yourself, don’t the Dems hold enough statewide offices these days?

But under the surface, Mary Connaughton isn’t such a rosy candidate. Dan Payne over at WBUR’s blog has all the details. She is being funded by the same lobbyists and PACs she said she would not take money from, and she also has the donor support of anti-gay-marriage lobbyists to boot.

But the worst elements appear to be her actual history in auditing:

While she was a top financial manager in the state Lottery office, Auditor Joe DeNucci’s team uncovered a “donut fund,” which was used to hide hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of improper expenses, such as BSO tickets and expensive parties. All under the blind eye of Connaughton, who promises ceaselessly to bring “sunshine” to state government.

The audit report said that Lottery officials used “poor accounting practices that violated state law and cost the state more than $1.6 million in lost revenue,” the Globe reported. “Connaughton was in charge of the agency’s financial operations for most of the period of the audit… and was responsible for answering the auditors’ concerns. The audit report noted that the agency refused to cooperate and turn over requested documents.” So much for Miss Sunshine.

Payne also goes into a bit of her past that, I believe, shows that Connaughton has the standard Republican Disease of Not-Governing (or, RDNG):

Also at the Treasury, Connaughton was preoccupied with getting the cheapest prices from vendors, no matter what the cost. This led her to dump the only qualified, experienced company that had successfully recovered millions in unclaimed property funds, which go to the state. Over the objections of the head of the unclaimed property division, she picked four cheaper but inexperienced competitors. The difference to taxpayers: $16 million. Win some dimes, then lose tons of dollars.

Republicans seem to love stating that government doesn’t work, then proving it.

The question that I have to ask is, if Connaughton wins, who audits the auditor?

On the other hand, Suzanne Bump, with one small, er, bump in her campaign (the question of her residency and a tax break), has proven to be a smart campaigner, one who understands the job she’s running for and who has a track record of results. Payne says, “Before she decided to run for auditor, Bump ran the state’s Labor Department for Gov. Deval Patrick. And she managed it effectively without a hint of scandal that tainted Connaughton’s time at the Lottery.” Payne has a lot more to say on Bump, and on Connaughton, so go check out his post for full details.

When it comes to the job at hand, I want to know that the person in the job will do it properly. An auditor isn’t a game changer, but as a progressive, I want efficient and effective government. Connaughton’s history is an indication of hackery and short-sightedness. That sort of oversight will cost the Commonwealth millions. Bump has proven that she can make reforms and take on tough issues - exactly the sort of person needed for budget oversight.

I will happily be filling in the oval in the auditor’s race - the one right next to the name of Suzanne Bump.

[Payne piece found via BMG.]

OK I’m a dumbass. The email SAID tomorrow, apparently I read it wrong, or too fast. Sorry about that! The Gov will be here TOMORROW (Monday) at 2pm. But that doesn’t excuse you from GOTV today. Do it before trick or treating tonight!

Just got word from our regional organizer that the Governor will be stopping in Lowell on his bus tour of the state. From his email:

The Governor is in the midst of a bus tour, that has been taking him across the state for one last contact with voters before Election Day. He will be coming by the Appleton Mills which is located at 219 Jackson st on Monday. If you are interested (and I hope you are!) please plan on arriving at 2pm, the Governor will be pulling up shortly thereafter.

You can help with GOTV by contacting the following people:
704 Middlesex Street, I-Hwei Warner, iwarner@devalpatrick.com
17 Kirk Street, Dan Lenos, dan@nikitsongas.com
73 East Merrimack Street, Melissa Roberts, donoghueforsenate@gmail.com