Bill Eikenberry (D):  I was born and raised on the family ranch south of Lusk. I attended UW, earning an MS Degree in Ag Economics and a BS in Ag Business. I am a veteran, having served in the USAF during the Viet Nam War. Following my military service, I joined the Federal Government and retired in 1994. I am an expert in Data Systems and Regulatory Compliance.  After a career in the Department of Interior with operational oversight of BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation,  I served as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at UW.

 

Rita Meyer (R):  I was raised on a ranch and attended country school in western Nebraska. I hold Bachelor’s degrees from UW in education and finance, and a Master’s degree in International Business. My work experience includes 30 years in both the public and private sector. I have worked as a Comptroller, a Chief of Staff in the executive branch, a staff accountant and as a teacher. I am a Veteran. I have served in the theater of war twice, most recently in Afghanistan. I am married to Dr. Charlie Meyer, a retired dentist. We have one son, Charles, serving in the USN.

 

 

Bill Eikenberry (D): Although this is the responsibility of the Department of Audit, not the State Auditor’s Office, I have several recommendations:  1) revisit the issue of mineral industry self-reporting, 2) conduct a risk analysis to assess the potential losses to the state from uncollected severance taxes, 3) increase the number of audits because approximately $10 is returned to the state on every $1 spent for audits, and 4) more technical training, improved sampling, and updates to state computers.

 

Rita Meyer (R):  The Department of Revenue values minerals and collects severance taxes.  Since July 1, 1989, the Wyoming Department of Audit has audited companies that extract minerals to ensure the state receives the severance taxes to which it is legally entitled.  Although the State Auditor does not have authority to oversee collection of severance taxes, as State Auditor I would support reforms that may be needed to ensure the State continues to receive what it is owed.

 

 

Bill Eikenberry (D):  No.  From buying influence through campaign contributions and inappropriate lobbying, Wyoming has a long way to go to correct ethics and disclosure problems.  As Auditor, I would propose that the Auditor’s Office be the ethics and accountability center for Wyoming.  This would help assure citizens that honesty and integrity can once again be part of Wyoming State government. This is something I feel very strongly about as a result of my background and experience. 

Rita Meyer (R):  The overwhelming majority of Wyoming government officials and legislators, regardless of party affiliation, are honest, dedicated, and accountable. I support ethics and disclosure laws that require meaningful reporting of relevant information sufficient to allow the public and press to evaluate whether improper influence is exerted on officeholders. I am not aware of any substantive deficiencies in Wyoming’s ethics and disclosure laws; however, if any are brought to my attention, I will support necessary changes.