Lawmaker tapped as GOP state auditor
Craig Miner, a former three-term state representative from Litchfield, has been nominated to serve as the Republican state auditor.
Miner is replacing GOP Auditor Clark Chapin, who was appointed in 2021 and retired earlier this month. Chapin served 16 years in the House and Senate and served on the New Milford Town Council.
State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford and former Senate minority leader, praised Chapin’s tenure as the GOP’s appointed auditor.
“Both as state auditor and as a lawmaker, Clark has been thoughtful, hardworking and dedicated to serving the taxpayers of Connecticut,” Kelly said.
Miner took office Feb. 2 but is still subject to a committee hearing and ratification by the General Assembly. Democrat John Geragosian, appointed in 2011, remains in his role as the state’s other auditor.
Auditors jointly oversee the Office of Auditors of Public Accounts, which continually examines all aspects of state government and makes recommendations on improvements.
Miner served eight terms in the state House of Representatives and three terms in the state Senate, representing communities across northwest Connecticut. He served as Litchfield’s first selectman from 1991 to 2001.
Miner said his skills and breadth of experience will serve the office well.
“I truly am honored to have been nominated for this government watchdog position,” Miner said. “I think my experience and skill set will serve me well in this challenging role. I look forward to the work ahead and to serving the taxpayers of Connecticut to the best of my ability.”
House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, offered praise and support for Miner.
“Serving alongside Craig for several years, I saw first-hand his reverence for the Auditors’ good work and its potential to improve the efficiency and performance of state government,” Candelora said. “His appreciation for the office, combined with his substantial experience in elected municipal and state roles, makes him the perfect individual for this vital position that bridges the gap between government and the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars fund it.”
Kelly also praised his party’s new selection.
“Craig is one of the most intelligent and hardworking lawmakers I have been honored to serve with,” Kelly said. “He dedicated more than half of his life to public service at the state and local level, and he is one of the most trusted experts when it comes to the state budget. Craig was always passionate about advocating for the people he represented, devoting himself to helping and protecting the residents of Connecticut. It was a role he excelled at and will continue to fulfill as state auditor.”
The office of the Auditors of Public Accounts traces its origin to a charter granted in 1662 to the Colony of Connecticut by King Charles the Second of England. In 1786, as the Office of the State Comptroller was created, the auditors were placed under its supervision and in 1937 the Legislature granted independent status to the office.