BOSTON-De state auditor’s search to control the Massachusetts Legislature is headed to the November ballot.
Diana DiZoglio hopes voters will give her power by approving the initiative petition. “We know we have one of the least transparent state legislatures in the entire country, not subject to public records laws, not subject to open meeting laws,” DiZoglio said in a WBZ interview. “People are tired of the excuses and are ready for change.”
DiZoglio’s push for expanded powers to audit the inner workings of the Legislature is raising suspicions from Beacon Hill. And her predecessor, fellow Democrat Suzanne Bump, says, “I wouldn’t dispute any of it.”
Former state auditor pushes back
But Bump withdraws the petition, telling WBZ that while they may not like the way they play the game there, changing the rules is not the auditor’s job. “The role of the auditor is to understand whether agencies are following the rules,” she says. “Subjective value judgments have no place in an audit.”
DiZoglio responds: “The former accountant was welcome in her opinions. She did what she wanted to do when she was state auditor. I campaigned on a platform to elevate the work of the accounting firm and open up Beacon Hill, and voters decided to support that platform.”
CBS Boston
DiZoglio claims that the comptroller’s office’s continued disclosure of the Legislature’s spending is not enough, and that leadership foot-dragging is a political crime. “If the legislative leadership team opposes an audit by our office, they are not opposing me personally or anyone who works in my office, who they are opposing and denying access, it is everyone’s home, you the taxpayer,” said DiZoglio.
“This is pure politics,” Bump said. “It is a shame. If someone thinks you’re going to use the information they provide to further your own political ends, then of course they’re going to drag their feet and not cooperate, that’s just human nature.”
Where does the petition go?
Judging from recent opinion polls, the accountant’s petition has strong support. Where is it going?
Up to the courts, if it does go forward, and keep in mind that Attorney General Andrea Campbell has already said DiZoglio is exceeding her legal authority. But this vote will be a benchmark for local political unrest.
No wonder it is eagerly supported by leading Republicans and Republican donors, among others.
Jon Keller
