Celebration of Spring with State Auditor Suzanne Bump

May 1, 2011 |

Join Us at the First Annual Celebration of Spring with State Auditor Suzanne Bump

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Anthony’s Pier 4 Restaurant
140 Northern Avenue, Boston

MORE »

BUMP JOINS PRO-WISCONSIN DEMOCRAT RALLY

February 22, 2011 | The Committee to Elect Suzanne Bump

Suzanne joined a crowd of nearly 1,000 on Beacon Hill today in support of Wisconsin Democrats and public workers across the nation. MORE »

AUDITOR-ELECT BUMP ANNOUNCES SEARCH FOR AUDIT OPERATIONS HEAD

December 7, 2010 | Auditor-Elect Suzanne Bump

Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts State Auditor-Elect, today announced her intention to seek applicants from across the country to fill the role of Deputy Auditor for Audit Operations.   The Deputy will be a key part of the Auditor-Elect’s management team, overseeing and managing all aspects of the audit operations, with an emphasis on expanding the scope of performance audits to evaluate the success or failure of government operations.

MORE »

SUZANNE BUMP ANNOUNCES AUDITOR TRANSITION TEAM

November 22, 2010 | Auditor-Elect Suzanne Bump

Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts State Auditor-Elect, today announced the formation of a Transition Team to assist in evaluating the existing priorities, structure and staffing in the Office of the State Auditor and to recommend changes that will enhance the performance of the Office, and enable it to be a catalyst to help make state government work better.

See a list of the whole team by clicking here.

MORE »

Transition Information

November 6th, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Thank you for visiting the website of State Auditor-Elect Suzanne Bump.

For information about the transition, contact:

Laura Marlin, Transition Manager
transition@suzannebump.com

We Did It!

November 3, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for State Auditor

Dear friends,

Thank you.

After an extremely long day and nearly a year of campaigning we have finally made it to victory.  We’ve shared some amazing achievements over the course of the year, but last night we won the prize. MORE »

SPREAD THE WORD!

November 1, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

It is the final hours of the election and we need all of your support to get Suzanne elected in this very close election.  Here’s an easy way to help.

Please click here to download a “Dear Friend” message that you can email or print and mail to your friends, family and neighbors.  Please spread the word about Suzanne Bump and let everyone know she should be our next State Auditor!

MORE »

The Donut Fund And Other Holes In Connaughton’s Story

October 29, 2010 | WBUR

The state auditor’s race is tight by all accounts, especially the account the Boston Globe provided in last Sunday’s poll. Suzanne Bump, the Democrat, led Mary Z. Connaughton, the Republican, by three points with a huge undecided vote. This means nobody, other than your humble servant, is paying any attention to this race.

Republican candidate for auditor Mary Z. Connaughton is trailed by a “donut fund” while she was a top financial manager at the state Lottery.

For the first time ever, a woman is guaranteed to hold statewide office. MORE »

Watch the recent debates

Oct 28, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Watch videos of some of the recent State Auditor debates by clicking on the multimedia tab on the top of this page.

Suzanne Bump, Mary Connaughton, Nathanael Fortune campaign hard in Massachusetts state auditor election

October 28, 2010 | Springfield Republican

…“I am seeking this office because I want to be a leader who fixes agencies that aren’t providing value for taxpayers,” said Bump, former state secretary of labor and workforce development….
MORE »

The Boston Phoenix Endorses Suzanne Bump

October 27, 2010 | The Boston Phoenix

SUZANNE BUMP has served the commonwealth as legislator, private advocate, and cabinet secretary — in each case, acting with independence, integrity, and competence. She will do so again as the state’s auditor.

Although the word “auditor” may conjure a dry, numbers-crunching position, the office is much more than that. A strong moral compass, savvy political skills, and public leadership are all necessary parts of the job. Bump has them all, in spades, and will improve the efficiency and honesty of state government, regardless of which party is in power.

In addition, Bump has laid out an impressive plan for updating and refocusing the long-stagnant office. She understands the possibilities of the position, and its limitations. She deserves your vote.

MORE »

The Bay State Banner Endorses Suzanne Bump

October 27, 2010 | The Bay State Banner

“The Bay State Banner endorses Suzanne Bump for auditor because she is the most likely candidate to assure that state funds are being honestly spent and that state programs perform as expected.”

MORE »

BUMP HOLDS “DONUT FUND EXPRESS” TOUR

October 25, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for State Auditor

Today, Suzanne Bump, Democratic nominee for State Auditor, held four press conferences across the Commonwealth to address the disturbing response of her Republican opponent, Mary Connaughton, to the serious issues raised in a front page Boston Globe exposé Saturday, which examined the role Ms. Connaughton played as Chief Financial Officer of the State Lottery during a period noted for its lack of oversight, fiscal excesses, and massive mismanagement.

Citing two reports by the Office of State Auditor in the 1990′s, the Globe examined both the part Ms. Connaughton played in failing to curtail the abuses which surrounded the infamous “donut fund” scandal, as well as her direct participation in the subsequent cover-up of that scandal.

…Read the Boston Globe Exposé…

MORE »

Auditor candidate Bump stops for doughnuts in Quincy

October 25, 2010 | Patriot Ledger

Outside Quincy’s Donut King on Monday, Democratic candidate for state auditor Suzanne Bump spoke out against her Republican opponent Mary Z. Connaughton, touting her own record of challenging “the status quo” and enacting reform.

Eight days before the election, Bump launched her “Donut Fund Express” campaign tour—appearing outside the State House in Boston and donut shops in Quincy, Worcester and Springfield—to seize on a Saturday Boston Globe article that detailed Connaughton’s role in the 1997 “doughnut fund” state lottery scandal.
MORE »

Connaughton, Bump differ on requirements for state auditor

October 23, 2010 | MetroWest Daily News

FRAMINGHAM — State auditor candidates Suzanne Bump and Mary Connaughton disagree about several things, but one key difference is their views on what the qualifications are to hold the office.

In a debate at the Framingham Public Access Corporation’s studio, the candidates also disagreed on what the first priorities should be for the next state auditor.
MORE »

Framingham Debate

October 22, 2010 | FPAC-TV

Auditors debate hosted by Framingham Public Access TV and MetroWest Daily News.

Watch Here

Candidates Tout Different Backgrounds, Views In Auditor’s Race

Oct 21, 2010 | WBUR

At a small gathering over lunch, the two major party candidates for state auditor made their pitch for support with personal stories that show their integrity. MORE »

Raising the bar

Oct 19, 2010 | CommonWealth Magazine

Suzanne Bump’s campaign staff is antsy. It’s already an hour into the campaign event, a barbeque with Malden Democrats, and their candidate for state auditor is seriously lagging behind schedule. The most frequent inquiry she gets is: “What does the state auditor do, anyway?” This question takes some time to answer. Campaigning for auditor is half political pitch, and half civics lesson.

Bump has been explaining the auditor’s job to the same table for 10 minutes now. Her staffers keep shooting her looks, silently urging her to wrap it up and move on to the tables out back. Just as Bump breaks loose, the keyboard player launches into a spirited version of “The Wheels on the Bus.” A kindergartener has the microphone. The girl crumbles under pressure, forgets half the words, and just mumbles along to the music. Bump stands at attention, nodding along enthusiastically. When the song ends, she takes hold of the microphone and addresses the girl.

“You don’t have any idea what I’m doing here, do you?” she asks. “I’m a politician. I’m running for auditor. Do you know what the auditor does? The auditor makes sure government spends your money honestly. You don’t want your money stolen, do you? You want to get your money’s worth from state services. Does that sound good to you? Does that sound like a winning platform for state auditor? I do, too.”
MORE »

Statement of Suzanne Bump In Response to Her Republican Opponent’s False and Misleading Press Release

October 19, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

The following is a statement of Suzanne Bump, Democratic nominee for State Auditor, in response to her Republican opponent’s false and misleading press release:

“Today my republican opponent issued a press release alleging that in recent debates my statements contrasting her lack of leadership experience with my own extensive record of leadership, accountability and results amounted to ‘bashing accountants.’  Let me be clear, I have great respect for the work of qualified accountants, but I can’t tolerate shoddy accounting.  Of course, the context of my statements was a debate with my opponent who happens to be an accountant, and who also happens to lack the necessary leadership experience to make real change on Beacon Hill.

MORE »

Auditor candidates Connaughton, Bump square off at Wicked Local debate

Oct 18, 2010 | Patriot Ledger

The two major-party candidates for state auditor took every opportunity to swipe at each other’s background and experience during an hour-long debate Monday night at Stonehill College.

Republican Mary Connaughton, of Framingham and Democrat Suzanne Bump of Great Barrington squared off in a heated one-hour session sponsored by WickedLocal.com and WCVB-TV.

The candidates offered opposing viewpoints of the role of the auditor’s office and qualifications of the person holding it. MORE »

Brian Watson: Voters should take close look at tight auditor’s race

Oct 19, 2010 | The Salem News

The most exciting contest in Massachusetts is not the governor’s race; rather, it is the battle for the position of state auditor.

Amazingly, it has been 24 years since this office has had an open seat to be contested. The departing auditor, Joseph DeNucci, has been comfortably ensconced since 1987.

Citizens should welcome the chance to elect a new auditor, and to shine a light on the auditor’s position, which is a very important one — and potentially a very powerful one. MORE »

Bump: Ability to lead sets me apart in race

Oct 19, 2010 | Lowell Sun

Democrat Suzanne Bump said yesterday that the state auditor’s number-one responsibility is to lead, a trait she hopes will set her apart from Republican Mary Z. Connaughton, her rival in November for the auditor’s post.

“There’s a world of difference between being a CPA (certified public accountant) and the state auditor,” Bump told The Sun’s editorial board. “It’s a leadership position that uses audits as tools to make positive changes inside state government.” MORE »

State auditor must have bold vision

Oct 18, 2010 | Cape Cod Times Op-Ed

I am running for state auditor because I want to make government better. And you can count on me to do this, because when I have been a leader in government, I have saved you money and given you better services.

As a state representative and as a cabinet secretary, I have changed business as usual, demanded accountability and delivered the kind of results that we need from our next state auditor.

My opponent has pledged to use her CPA credential to teach the audit staff to do better audits. This is laudable, but it is not leadership. It won’t bring about reforms that make a difference in people’s lives. MORE »

BUMP WOULD AUDIT PUBLICLY FUNDED CRIMINAL DEFENSE SYSTEM

Oct 14, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Suzanne Bump, Democratic Nominee for State Auditor today said she would conduct a thorough audit of the performance of the Committee for Public Counsel Service and the Bar Advocate programs.

“The state’s district attorneys have raised an important issue. There may be a problem with the way the public’s money is being spent on criminal defense,” said Bump. “Defendants have rights, but taxpayers do too, and they shouldn’t be abused.”

The District Attorneys today issued a statement pointing out that defense counsel budgets have received substantial increases year after year while the district attorneys have not received comparable resources. One of their proposed solutions is to increase the DA’s budgets. Supporters of defense counsel have countered that their compensation is appropriate. MORE »

Suzanne Bump questions Mary Connaughton’s values

Oct 12, 2010 | Boston Herald

Democratic candidate for auditor Suzanne Bump, accepting the endorsement of MassEquality Tuesday, hit her opponent, Republican Mary Connaughton, for signing a petition in 2005 calling for the question of gay marriage to be settled through a ballot question.

“I’m very grateful for MassEquality’s endorsement and their mission of equal civil rights has always been a major element of my own personal values,” Bump said in a statement. “My opponent, Mary Connaughton has chosen not to speak about her personal values, but as I see it, they have been clearly demonstrated through her actions. By signing anti-gay marriage petitions, Connaughton paints a fairly clear picture of her values.” MORE »

Bump question’s Connaughton ties to Romney PAC

Oct 12, 2010 | Sharon Advocate

Republican Mary Connaughton said she would sever ties to former Gov. Mitt Romney’s political action committee if elected state auditor, pushing back against the suggestion by her Democratic opponent Suzanne Bump that her association with Romney contradicts her pledge not to accept political action committee or lobbyist donations.

Connaughton, a former Romney appointee to the Massachusetts Turnpike board, acknowledged getting paid by the Free & Strong America for the “very little” consulting work she has done and continues to do for Romney’s political action committee. She said that would stop if she won her race in November. MORE »

MASSEQUALITY ENDORSES DEMOCRAT SUZANNE BUMP FOR STATE AUDITOR

Oct 12, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Suzanne Bump, the Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor, today announced that MassEquality has endorsed her candidacy. MassEquality is a grassroots organization working to achieve full equality for the LGBT community. Bump is the first candidate for State Auditor to have received an endorsement from MassEquality. In a statement, executive director of MassEquality, Kara Suffredini, cited Bump’s history as a passionate advocate for the LGBT community:

“This election is critical and we need candidates in office like Suzanne Bump who understand the importance of watching out for all citizens of the Commonwealth, including LGBT citizens,” said Kara Suffredini, executive director of MassEquality. “Bump’s opponent signed a petition that sought to take away the rights of LGBT people to marry in Massachusetts. But Suzanne Bump is someone who, from early in her career, has been very supportive of LGBT people and MassEquality enthusiastically endorses her for state auditor.” MORE »

Massachusetts auditor candiate Suzanne Bump focuses on health care

Oct 9, 2010 | The Patriot Ledger

For Suzanne Bump, there’s no end to the state offices and programs that need a good audit. But if she’s elected, the Democratic auditor candidate and Whitman native says she will start with the health care management system.

“That’s where we can deliver the most fiscal value for the taxpayers,” she said Thursday during a Patriot Ledger editorial board interview.

The former Braintree state representative and former state labor secretary said a complicated, often overlapping array of health providers and administrative programs is costing the state “hundreds of millions of dollars,” and forcing those seeking coverage to navigate a confusing bureaucracy. MORE »

NARAL PRO-CHOICE MASSACHUSETTS ENDORSES DEMOCRAT SUZANNE BUMP FOR STATE AUDITOR

Oct 7, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Suzanne Bump, the Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor, today announced NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts has endorsed her candidacy. NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts is a state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America and is the political grassroots arm of the pro-choice movement in Massachusetts. In its statement, NARAL cited Bump’s reputation as a principled leader:

“NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts is very proud to endorse Suzanne Bump for State Auditor,” said Andrea Miller, the group’s executive director. “Suzanne has a strong pro-choice record, and we are confident that, as auditor, she would ensure that critical funding streams that improve access to family planning and reproductive health services for some of the most vulnerable women in the Commonwealth are never compromised.” MORE »

Statement of Suzanne Bump On Today’s Decision by the City of Boston Assessing Department

Oct 7, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

The following is a statement from Suzanne Bump, Democratic Nominee for State Auditor, on today’s decision by the city of Boston Assessing Department:

“I want to thank the Assessing Department of the City of Boston for their prompt response to my request for a review of my residential tax exemption.

I have today received notification from the City that, while the only factor referenced on the forms that my husband and I completed when we applied for the exemption in 2007 was where we file our income taxes, an appellate tax board case in 2009 determined that the City must look at a wider range of facts and circumstances in each case. The City’s Assessing Department reviewed the facts in light of that decision and has determined that, for purposes of the residential exemption, our South Boston condominium is not our principal residence, and they have removed the exemption and accepted the payment that I made yesterday.

I am pleased that this matter has been resolved and look forward to focusing my full attention again on the substantive issues in the race for State Auditor.”

Statement from Suzanne Bump

Oct 7, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for State Auditor

I have received verbal confirmation from the Assessors of both the City of Boston and the Town of Great Barrington that my property tax status is appropriate.

However, in an abundance of caution, I have decided to submit to the city of Boston a payment of $5875.05, which is the difference between the property taxes that my husband and I have paid since we were approved for the residential tax exemption in 2007, and the amount we would have owed were we not entitled to that exemption.

At the same time I have made a written request to the city of Boston that they conduct a final review of our property tax status and, in advance of that review, accept the payment submitted today and make a refund to us if it is determined that it is indeed not actually owed.

Statement of Suzanne Bump regarding today’s Boston Globe Story concerning property taxes:

Oct 7, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

“Nowhere in the ‘above the fold’ front page story in the Boston Globe this morning does the newspaper dispute the fact that I currently pay, and have always paid, 100% of my real estate taxes in Great Barrington.

Since being contacted by the Globe on this issue on Saturday, I have confirmed with both the assessor’s offices in the City of Boston as well as in the town of Great Barrington that my current tax status has been fully met in both localities and, more important, that I am in total compliance with the law.

Despite my providing the Globe with the names of the top assessing officials in both communities to confirm my status, the story ran, which implied that I received some undeserved benefit.

I also informed the Globe that if in the future, either community notifies me that my tax status needs to be reviewed, of course, I will accommodate them.

That said, as of this morning, the taxing authorities of both communities have confirmed to me that, as have I always believed, I am in full compliance with the law.”

Health Care Unit Would Reap Significant Savings

Sep 30, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

The State Auditor audits state spending to ensure that funds are being spent legally but also to be sure that we aren’t wasting scarce resources through, for example, inefficient systems, ineffective administration of programs, and redundancy. The State Auditor can and should be a catalyst for accountability in how government spends our tax dollars. I intend to expand on the important work that has been done by the Auditor’s office in reviewing Massachusetts’ health care spending and to be that catalyst for accountability and results.

In Fiscal Year 2011, Massachusetts will spend over $13.5 billion of the state budget (or 42%) on health care-related spending. It pays for Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, known as MassHealth, the Commonwealth Care Program, which provides health insurance to uninsured individuals, the Medical Assistance Trust Fund and state employee health insurance. By establishing a unit within the auditor’s office dedicated solely to ferreting out fraud, waste and inefficiencies in the state’s health care programs, I will help taxpayers get a better return on their tax dollars and improve access to health care. MORE »

New Radio Ad!

Sep 8, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Listen to Suzanne’s new radio ad!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Connaughton, Bump are best in broad field for state auditor

September 5, 2010 | The Boston Globe

In theory, the state auditor’s job is to check the books of public agencies. In practice, the office can play a broader role as an in-house watchdog, promoting effective government by highlighting redundancy, giveaway contracts, and other forms of inefficiency. The retirement of longtime incumbent Joseph DeNucci has attracted a bumper crop of candidates who see new possibilities in the auditor’s position, and voters can take comfort in the spirited contests for both parties’ nominations. MORE »

STATEMENT BY SUZANNE BUMP, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR STATE AUDITOR, REGARDING SHERIFF GUY GLODIS AND TODAY’S FRONT PAGE STORY IN THE BOSTON GLOBE

Sep 2, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

What makes Guy Glodis believe he is not subject to the same rules which apply to everyone else?

And, more troubling, why, when caught red-handed in wrong-doing, does Guy Glodis refuse to take responsibility for his actions?

Today we add federal tax evasion to the growing list of apparent violations of the law involving Sheriff Guy Glodis. MORE »

Newton TAB Editorial: Suzanne Bump for auditor

Sep 1, 2010 | Newton TAB

In a field of three ambitious and energized candidates, we believe Suzanne Bump is the best choice for Democrats voting in the Sept. 14 primary for state auditor.

Bump has leadership experience that spans both the private and public sectors, both elected office and gubernatorial appointment. MORE »

Massachusetts State Senator Susan Tucker Endorses Suzanne Bump for State Auditor

Aug 23, 2010 | Suzanne Bump for Auditor

Suzanne Bump, a Democratic candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor, today announced she has been endorsed by State Senator Susan Tucker. Senator Tucker, who represents the cities and towns of Lawrence, Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury, joins Congressmen Barney Frank and John Olver, State Auditor Joe DeNucci and many other mayors and state legislators who have endorsed Bump. Bump also won the majority vote for the statewide position at this year’s Democratic State Convention. MORE »