Voter guide: Here are the Republican candidates for Kentucky auditor

Kentucky's primary election wraps up May 16, with registered Republican voters having the the opportunity to choose the party's nominee for state auditor race this fall.

Kentucky's state auditor is a constitutional officer who acts as the chief watchdog of taxpayer dollars, responsible for conducting audits of the financing and procedures of governmental entities receiving public funds, from state and local governments, to schools and universities.

Only one Democrat, Kim Reeder of Frankfort, has filed to run for the office this year, so Republicans are the only ones who will vote on the office in the primary, with two candidates competing.

Here is the background on these two candidates and their answers to several policy questions involving the office.

Allison Ball

Age: 41

Current job: Kentucky treasurer

Where do you live? Prestonsburg

Previous elected offices: State treasurer, 2016-present

Campaign website: https://ballforkentucky.com/

Campaign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BallForKentucky

Campaign Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllisonJoyBall

What professional experience on your resume do you think will be most helpful in being state auditor?

I currently serve as the Kentucky State Treasurer. In that capacity, I am the watchdog of taxpayer dollars who ensures that whatever is paid by Kentucky is in line with the Constitution, the law, and is correct. Previously, I practiced law as a prosecutor and a bankruptcy attorney. I have the experience to handle complex financial and legal issues, as well as ensure accountability and transparency.

How do you plan on being a watchdog for Kentuckians in this office and what issue would you want to tackle first?

The Auditor ensures that once money has been paid, it is used correctly and that processes follow the law. My first responsibility would be to carry out the duties of Auditor fairly and impartially. In addition to those regular duties, I intend to protect Kentucky’s underfunded pensions from political gamesmanship. As Treasurer, I have opposed dangerous ESG integration into pension investments. As Auditor, I would have a pension oversight role to continue this fight.

This office is focused on transparency. What is one way you plan on making the office or Kentucky’s government as a whole more transparent?

As Treasurer, I launched a transparency website allowing citizens to google government spending. With its release, Kentucky moved from being ranked 24^thin transparency to 10^th in the nation. Throughout my career, I have been committed to transparency. Because Auditor has greater financial tools available that allow for a deeper dive into state finances, there are more opportunities to provide greater online access to Kentucky’s financial information at the state and local level

Derek Petteys

Age: 51

Current job: Project Manager

Where do you live? Lexington

Previous elected offices: None

Campaign website: www.bluegrassliberty.com

Campaign Facebook:  www.facebook.com/dp4auditor/

Campaign Twitter: @Liberty4KY

What professional experience on your resume do you think will be most helpful in being state auditor? 

For over 27 years, I have worked as a project manager, analyzing contracts, maintaining budgets, and managing human and capital resources. This experience, along with an MBA education in finance, are key to success in both the private and public sectors. President Trump and Governor Bevin demonstrated that sound business principles can and do work in government. As a true government outsider, I can analyze and investigate without fear or favor.

How do you plan on being a watchdog for Kentuckians in this office and what issue would you want to tackle first? 

I plan to personally visit the many jurisdictions which have had a recent change in leadership. Those areas will receive added scrutiny and assistance to identify the people responsible for accounting or management issues. The findings will be released in public hearings and on social media. Particular attention will be paid to school districts to ensure that leadership and spending focuses on improving student outcomes instead of advancing social agendas.

This office is focused on transparency. What is one way you plan on making the office or Kentucky’s government as a whole more transparent?

The auditor has oversight of tax dollars spent at all levels of state and local government. Each year, Sen. Rand Paul publishes a "Waste Report" which identifies wasteful federal spending. I intend to do the same here in Kentucky − from large state agencies to the local fiscal courts and school districts. I also want to review contracts which are made with out-of-state companies. Our economy can benefit by keeping tax dollars here in the Commonwealth.

For subscribers: Gerth: Kentucky governor's debate was a clown show, but it could have been worse

Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Primary Election voter guide 2023: Who is running for auditor