Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith Pushes For Elected Auditor

Actually . . . This is one of the smarter ideas we've seen from the courthouse in a few months and we hope it takes hold or, at least, garners a bit of bipartisan interest. 

Here's a presser sent to www.TonysKansasCity.com and other local media early this morning . . . 

Check-it: 

Legislator Sean Smith to Introduce Charter Amendment Requiring an Elected County Auditor

Kansas City, MO - In response to ongoing concerns about transparency, accountability and fiscal oversight in Jackson County government, Vice Chairman Sean Smith has announced today that he will introduce legislation to amend the Jackson County Charter to require the county auditor to be elected by the voters, rather than appointed by the Legislature.

The proposed charter amendment is intended to strengthen independent fiscal oversight at a time when public trust in the county is at an all-time low. “Jackson County taxpayers deserve an auditor who is directly accountable to the people,” Legislator Smith stated, “an elected auditor would provide independence, transparency and a critical check on government when mistakes or mismanagement occurs.”

Under the current charter, the Legislator Auditor is appointed by a vote of the Legislature. Smith’s proposal would place the position on the ballot in 2028, allowing voters to choose both a County Assessor and County Auditor in the same election cycle. Smith believes if the initiative passes, the role should run without the candidate filing under a party affiliation, but that will be for the Legislature to decide.
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Developing . . .