St. Paul- “Yesterday the issue was about excessive travel and costs.  Today it is about lying to cover up and justify the behavior.  Rebecca Otto doesn’t deny she took excessive trips at excessive costs at a time when we are broke.  She said, ‘She was required by state law to go on these trips.’  That is patently false.  If that was the case, all the other trustees are in violation of the law and every past State Auditor, including myself was also in violation,” said Pat Anderson.

“Otto was also asked if she was required to stay in these expensive hotels and she did not answer the question.  Instead she said it was a ‘package’ deal and we needed to ask PERA.  I can answer that question for her.  The answer is NO,” said Anderson.

“The office of state auditor is supposed to provide critical fiscal security for Minnesota taxpayers.  This is about ethics and performance not about person gain or party politics.  This is about simply understanding what the role of state auditor is.  It’s to be the taxpayers’ watchdog, to make sure taxpayer’ money is being spent properly and people are getting the most they can out of government for the money they put in.  As auditor I will be able to look government officials in the eye and tell them to do not just as I say, but do as I do.  I lead by example and I am open and crystal clear about the way I run an office.  And I would never lie to the public,” Anderson concluded.

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