Qualifications distinguish me

I'm Mary Mosiman, and I'm honored to serve you as Iowa's state auditor.

I have been serving as Iowa's state auditor since May of 2013. I was elected to a four-year term Nov. 4, 2014, becoming the first female elected state auditor in Iowa history. I'm a lifelong Iowan - a graduate of Iowa State University and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

I'm proud to be the first female auditor. But I'm running for re-election based on my qualifications.

First, I'm the only CPA running, and only a CPA state auditor can fully perform the statutory duties of the office.

Second, I have a proven record of results. I've issued over 1,000 reports, including over 100 fraud reports identifying approximately $14 million of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money. These are your tax dollars that should have gone to a public purpose but did not in these cases. I'm also proactive in combating fraud. I recently launched a fraud reduction program designed to prevent fraud from happening in the first place.

Third, I have leadership experience - 10 years leading the Story County Auditor's Office, and 5 years leading the State Auditor's Office - one of the largest CPA firms in the state. Our motto is: In God we trust. Everyone else - we audit!

A CPA has led the State Auditor's Office for nearly 40 consecutive years dating back to 1979. If the elected state auditor is not a CPA, the State Auditor's Office would lose its status as a CPA firm. This is an undisputed fact - a fact that will have consequences for the audit services that Iowa government entities, and Iowans, count on. I want to keep the office working for the people of Iowa and moving forward - not take it back to the 1970s.

I'm dedicated to serving all Iowans as your state auditor. Tax dollars aren't red for Republican, or blue for Democrat. Tax dollars are green, and they impact everyone. We work hard to take care of Iowans' tax dollars with no political bias.

Iowans have a choice this November between an auditor who can audit and one who cannot. I need your help to ensure this office continues to be led by a qualified CPA. I'm Mary Mosiman, the only CPA running for state auditor, and I'm asking for your vote on Nov. 6.

' Mary Mosiman is the Republican candidate for Iowa Auditor of State.

All candidate guest columns in the Iowa Auditor of State race:

' Mary Mosiman

' Rob Sand

' Fred Perryman (no column submitted)