Endorsement #5: Controller’s Office inspires new MMP slogan
We’ve remarked previously on how interesting the Controller’s office is. Do you know what the Controller does? Well, they account for state’s payroll deductions. So, if you’re on the state payroll, you probably want somebody who is good at math. Except that job, really, is probably done on a computer.
They also oversee the duty of “settling all claims against the state.” So, if you’re a contractor that deals with the state, you probably want somebody who can pay their bills on time. But, again, this can be done by a computer. Maybe a secretary who opens the mail. A computer with a secretary… we’d love to see that.
So, that being said, we are presented with two options this year: Kim Wallin, a CPA and Steve Martin — a “Wild and Crazy Guy” — also a CPA. Kim Wallin was once named one of 100 most influential accountants in the country, akin to being president of the chess club. Steve Martin was once Treasurer for the Republican Central Committee — and he didn’t go to jail! So, after an exhaustive review of the people’s records, we’d suggest you… have dinner at PT’s and maybe order a round of drinks. Then come back and read about the state controller’s office: it will be a lot more interesting.
Unveiling our new slogan – MMP: Funnier while drunk. We’ll wait until you get back.
OK. So we’re halfway through this lecture that Kim Wallin gives about the importance of a CFM and a CMA instead of just a CPA in the Controller’s office. This isn’t the kind of office you can really mess up — it’s primary duties are dictated pretty expressly by law. You don’t even have a very big staff to oversee. It’s a waste of your time to vote in this race.
Steve Martin was past treasurer of the Parisian Village in the Grove Condominium Association. For what that’s worth.
By far the most compelling thing we’ve seen that sways us to vote one way or the other in this race came from an e-mail from longtime MMP
reader “Chris”:
I like Steve Martin because he has said that he would entertain the idea of consolidating the offices of the treasurer and controller. I think its the first financially sound idea that i have heard during the entire election.
OK. But we don’t think “the reason he should get the endorsement is, he doesn’t think the office should exist” is a reason to get an endorsment. But we agree with him wholeheartedly, nevertheless. Whoever you vote for — call your legislators and ask them to abolish this office. There’s no reason an office this functionary should be elected by the people. Maybe there was a time — like, when we paid all our debts in gold or silver or with the crown jewels — that it was important to have the people’s voice heard in this race. But the time for democracy for its own sake is over.
So, this isn’t an endorsement unless we tell you who to vote for, so here goes: MMP recommends you vote your party line in this one.
Similar Posts:
- Web Site Post Mortem
- MMP 2006 Endorsement Announcement
- Endorsements #2, 3, 4 — Treasurer, Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor
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“Steve Martin was past treasurer of the Parisian Village in the Grove Condominium Association. For what that’s worse.”
Was the word “worse” a Freudian slip or deliberate?
Are you saying that MMP, the pundit, is funnier while drunk, or that reading what MMP writes is funnier while drunk? Or maybe its both? Thats certainly true in my case. In fact, what could be really funny is if I start writing this blog while drunk. I know, you already thought I was didn’t you? It would explain a lot.
Hmm… that error has been fixed. Thanks for the heads up. We were just thinking, though, wouldn’t it be hilarious if Steve Martin were the treasurer of your HOA? We love that guy!
Either way, the liquor is helpful. It’s like the college dating scene all over again.