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Candidate for auditor

Name: Hector Balderas, Democrat

Age: 33

Campaign Web site: www.hectorbalderas.com

Occupation: Lawyer

Family: Married to Denise with three children: Hector Jr. (9), Arianna (7) and Mariola (5)

Education: University of New Mexico School of Law, J.D.; University of Guanajuato Law School, certification, international law, UNM-Guanajuato, Mexico; New Mexico Highlands University, bachelor's of political science

Please list the experience you think would make you a good state auditor.

I am independent, I have integrity and I will protect New Mexico taxpayers. Now more than ever, the Auditor's Office must go beyond the basics of two plus two equals four. I have investigated and prosecuted fraud and white collar crimes. I have advised governmental clients on contractual best practices and proper procurement law. As a state representative, I assisted over 33 communities with budget analysis and infrastructure development.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain. No.

What's the best meal you can cook from scratch?

I make oatmeal for my kids.

Last book you read: "What's the Matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?

I regret not spending more time with my grandfather as he was the most honest and humble man that I have ever known. I have dedicated myself to teach those qualities to my children in his honor.

What would be your top priorities for the Auditor's Office. What specific steps would you take to achieve them?

My taxpayer protection initiative would improve government accountability by investigating fraud and illegal acts affecting government resources. Through the initiative the Auditor's Office will report criminal findings related to the improper use of public funds. I will work with the Legislature to create a special prosecutor's office to prosecute cases referred by the Auditor's Office.

What distinguishes you from your opponent?

I have a strong prosecutorial background that is necessary to improve government accountability by investigating fraud and illegal acts that affect public funds. I am serving in the state House of Representatives and will be able to work effectively with the Legislature to create a special prosecutor's office to prosecute cases referred by the Auditor's Office.

Does the Auditor's Office have the powers it needs to do timely and extensive audits?

Yes. The auditor must be proactive in communicating with state agencies to ensure all audit deadlines are being met and that the agencies are complying with New Mexico law. The auditor must also assist state agencies when they contract with private auditors so that the audits can begin on a timely basis. A transition to a single accounting system in the future could improve the timeliness and cost of governmental audits.

The indictment of former state Treasurer Robert Vigil has raised serious questions about the handling of state finances. What could the Auditor's Office have done to detect any problems earlier? What changes in the system of audits need to be made?

I will ensure that every tax dollar is audited or, where appropriate, disclosed as non-audited funding. Systemically, I would work closely with the independent private auditors to certify that all findings are fully and truthfully disclosed in the final reports. I will aggressively promote that both positive and negative audit findings are used as corrective management tools on behalf of the agencies.

How would you better publicize results of audits by the Auditor's Office?

The current auditor Web site discloses general findings of final audit reports. I will increase and promote public outreach to all communities and keep findings in the office for up to five years, which is two years longer than the current practice.

Some say lesser-known offices like auditor should be appointed by the governor and/or Legislature. Would you support that? Why or why not?

I do not support the auditor being appointed by the Governor and/or the Legislature. In order to honestly and effectively carry out the duties of that office, the auditor must be independent of the executive and legislative branches.