State auditor candidate visits Fulton supporters

Running on the platform that she will be the first state auditor to hold both an accounting and law license, Susan Montee visited Fulton on Monday night to converse with the Callaway County Democrats.

Montee is looking to move up the public-official ladder from her position as Buchanan County's auditor.

“Basically, that's the message we're sending - a qualifications message,” said Montee in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “The four Republicans who have filed don't have any financial background at all.”

Some state auditors - including outgoing Democrat Claire McCaskill - have been educated in law rather than accounting, but Montee said the elected official should either be a certified public accountant or have a similar financial background.

Montee said it is important for the state auditor to understand the job's financial responsibilities - especially because a majority of the employees talk the financial lingo.

According to the “Montee for Auditor” campaign, more than 65 percent of the employees in the State Auditor's office are certified public accountants.

“The head of this office should be trained and experienced with the skills to lead this great office,” said Montee in a recent flyer.

Callaway County auditor Rosemary Gannaway said understanding the responsibilities of an auditor is vital.

“This is basically a financial office,” Gannaway said. “Her experience and knowledge and supervision will be valuable.”

Attempting to become the first office holder from Buchanan County to be elected statewide in 125 years, Montee said any changes she will make will be based on what is currently taking place in the office.

Recognizing the current tension between the State Auditor's Office and the offices of Gov. Matt Blunt, Montee said there is wisdom in having an auditor serve from a differing party than the governor.

“You're less likely to succumb to party pressures,” said Montee, who considers herself a career accountant rather than a career politician.

Gracia Backer, Callaway County's former state representative, also attended the meeting and said she has been impressed with Montee's desire for the job.

“She's put down $500,000 of her own money into it,” Backer said. “She is very serious about this position.”

Montee said she felt it was time to make her move for the position.

“I felt like you can't sit back and complain if you can't step up (to serve),” Montee said.