MONTPELIER, Vt. -
For nearly an hour Wednesday the two candidates for Vermont's auditor position faced off in a Vermont Public Radio debate.
"Welcome to you both, thank you for being here," said VPR host Jane Lindholm
State Senator Vince Illuzzi is one of Vermont's longest serving legislators and democrat Doug Hoffer's background is in looking at numbers as a policy analyst.
"The IRS estimates periodically that there are huge amounts of money sheltered immediately and I think at a time where we're looking under rocks for money we have to make sure we're getting all the money that's due," said Hoffer.
"I think we have a serious problem with it purchases across state government, a crisis that's developing," said Illuzzi.
And what to do about state workers time cards now that a Vermont trooper stands accused of padding his with overtime?
"I want to get a sense of what's occurring now. There's no reason to replicate efforts already underway. You don't want to expend resources if they're not necessary," said Hoffer.
Illuzzi wants a digital system.
"And that does allow with the click of a mouse to determine if there is fraud," said Illuzzi.
Both believe changes need to make to the auditor's office, but who gets to make them, depends on the listeners at the other end.
"It's not just being comfortable with the data, it's having an aptitude of adapting to the questions," said Hoffer.
"But if you ask the people with whom I work, it is one of independence, not afraid to speak out. I have never belonged to the go along to get along club," said Illuzzi.
Each of the candidates will also be Fox 44's/ABC 22's morning show next week to answer more questions.
And of course Election Day is now less than three weeks away.
