Auditor's race focuses on Beacon Hill accountability

BOSTON — The state auditor's job offers a six-figure salary and an office in the historic Statehouse, but it usually doesn't attract a lot of attention from candidates.

Regardless, the decision by Democrat Auditor Suzanne Bump not to seek fourth term in next year’s election has created a rare opening for the job, and so far two hopefuls have jumped into the race.

Sen. Diana DiZoglio, D-Methuen, and Chris Dempsey, a Democratic transportation advocate, are both seeking the job that pays nearly $190,000 a year with benefits.

DiZoglio, a former state representative, is calling for more accountability and transparency in the office and more public accessibility on Beacon Hill.

"Coming from a working class family, I know many people are disenfranchised by what is happening on Beacon Hill," she said. "We should be do what we can to give everyone a seat at the table. It's their tax dollars that are being spent."

DiZoglio said she views the auditor's role as an extension of her advocacy as a lawmaker on issues ranging from state spending and public records access to non-disclosure agreements used to hide sexual harassment claims.

"But as auditor I would have greater powers to fight for transparency, equity, accountability," she said.

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