FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 5th

FOR MORE INFORMATION
John Wyble 206-321-9890

Today, State Representative Chris Reykdal announced he is forming an exploratory committee to consider a possible run for the Office of State Auditor being vacated by five-term State Auditor Bryan Sonntag.

“Bryan Sonntag has redefined the Office of State Auditor. From its traditional role of financial audits, the office has now become a national leader in open government, whistle blower protections, and performance audits.” Said Reykdal. He added, “It is clear that there is an opportunity to elevate the office once more by becoming a national leader in the aggressive examination of tax preferences.”

“Let’s remember why we do this. As a former teacher, school board member, and college finance executive, I am passionate about efficient government so that we can target taxpayer dollars to our education system and the essential public investments that will lead our citizens and our businesses to greater prosperity. The Office of the State Auditor is not about bean counting. It’s about improving the effectiveness of government and highlighting the essential role of the public sector in helping to deliver our highest aspirations as a citizenry.”

“This is exploratory at this time. I will consult with stakeholders across the state including education leaders, local government experts, my closest supporters, legislative colleagues, as well as my family and closest friends. I will also seek direct feedback from State Auditor Sonntag on the critical work that he believes needs to go forward over the next four years. I will take the necessary time to figure out if my experience and background in public sector finance and performance management is the right fit for the Office of State Auditor. I will also challenge potential candidates for this office to speak openly about their commitment to effective tax reform and efficient government that is focused on our highest priorities.”

Washington State has over 500 tax preferences in statute. “Legislators have put these in place often at the behest of special interest groups. Rarely do these tax giveaways come with a clearly stated public policy purpose, and very few tax preferences have a sunset date. Some of these preferences will likely show a substantial public benefit. However, the lack of a comprehensive examination in a timely way is unconscionable while we are making cuts to schools, colleges, and the most vulnerable in our society.”

What is clear to most economists is that Washington State’s fiscal crisis is not merely a function of a national downturn. Rather, State government has continued to shrink as a share of GDP for more than forty years. Taxable transactions have dropped dramatically as Legislators have put more and more tax preferences and giveaways into the tax code. Moreover, State Government used to represent 7% of personal income and today it is 5%. We will never adequately fund our constitutional obligation of basic education or our moral obligation to higher education, the environment, and our most vulnerable citizens until we conduct a comprehensive performance audit of our entire tax code and the hundreds of tax preferences that now make up that code.

“The State Auditor’s Office has a unique opportunity to be an independent voice from the Legislature in examining and recommending a tax code that is adequate, stable, and fair. I believe the Office of the State Auditor will play an essential role in turning Washington around. Staying focused on efficient, open, and effective government, combined with a new activism on tax preferences, will provide Washingtonians with unprecedented access and data to the details of the State budget. They will need this kind of access and honesty if they are to restore their trust in State Government.”

Reykdal has an undergraduate degree from Washington State University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where his emphasis was public sector finance, budget, and performance management. He has been a teacher, county budget officer, planning commissioner, local school board member, revenue analyst for the Senate, finance executive for the State’s community and technical college system and currently represents the citizens of the 22nd Legislative District (Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and parts of unincorporated Thurston County) in the State House of Representatives. Reykdal is married to Kim Reykdal a high school counselor. They have two children, a son, Carter age 7, and a daughter, Kennedy age 5.

“The citizens of the 22nd District elected me to be a strong voice for tax reform and the essentiality of effective public services. In exploring this opportunity, there is the possibility of elevating their highest values to a statewide platform. I am honored to represent this district and will continue to do so at the will of the people if it turns out that the Office of State Auditor is not something I choose to pursue.”

State Representative Chris Reykdal is available for questions or media inquiries, 360-790-3151.

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