Auditor candidates face o≠
TAXPAYERS WANT OVERSIGHT
Ifirst fell in love with Denver as a 17-year-old registering as a freshman at Regis College.
For more than 40 years, I have witnessed our great city’s growth, struggles, economic ups and downs. Currently, there are several major projects either in a construction phase or in a planning phase, such as the National Western Center. Taxpayers want oversight on how their taxes are being used. All revenue sources and their uses should be reported and evaluated clearly. Citizens should know what they’re getting in exchange for their tax dollars.
This is why the Denver City Auditor’s office is so important. The auditor’s office can do more. I will conduct audits that provide the taxpayer a better and more expanded view of how our money is being used and what we’re getting for our tax dollars.
I am the candidate who will hold the mayor and City Council accountable. I am running to serve you as city auditor because I am qualified, experienced, free of conflicts of interest, and a proven leader.
“I will conduct audits that provide the taxpayer a better and more expanded view of how our money is being used ...”
• I am qualified. I am a certified public accountant licensed to practice in Colorado. I have a bachelor’s degree (accounting major), an MBA, and hold the designation of chartered financial analyst. I have passed a rigorous exam and maintain my license with annual professional continuing education. As a CPA, I am held to a strict code of ethics that is embodied in state law.
• I am experienced. I was state auditor for more than 11 years, from 1984 to 1995. During that time, I conducted more than 750 financial and performance audits. These audits recommended savings of more than $200 million, including the creation of the Great Colorado Payback program, which has returned more than $300 million to their rightful owners.
These audits recommended over 100 pieces of legislation that made Colorado’s governmental structure more efficient and effective. I am the only candidate qualified by law to perform both financial and performance audits.
In a videotaped message on Denver 8 TV, my opponent stated that the council cut almost $500 million out of city costs. In fact, since he has been in office, audited general fund expenses have increased by $222 million. His statement is not supported in the city’s audited financial statements. Your auditor must have the facts right.
• I have no conflicts of interest. One is not objective or without bias if they have made policy for the previous eight years and now want to audit the very policy they have either supported or opposed. Simply speaking one cannot grade their own homework.
• I am a proven leader. As your state auditor, I stood up to governors, legislators, and state agencies. I managed and mentored a staff of 75. I am a past president the Colorado Society of CPAs. I was chairman of the board of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. I am currently chairman of the board of a mutual fund complex and an elected trustee of the Colorado Public Employee Retirement Association. I do not sit on the sidelines. I use my expertise and experience to make things better. I have been looking out for other people’s money for a long, long time.
It is easy for a candidate to say “I will make Denver better.” My mother often told me that talk is cheap. My qualifications, experience, independence, leadership, and proven track record are more than words. I want Denver to be a better city for all who live here now and will live here in the future.
I am qualified, experienced, and free from conflicts of interest. As a proven leader, I have done this job before and I sincerely want to do it for Denver. Ballots have been delivered and must be returned by May 5.
I humbly and sincerely ask you to vote for Timothy M. O’Brien, CPA. I will not let you down.