McLean County Republican leaders say it’s time to address the “troubled auditor’s office.” They think Trisha Malott is the answer.
Malott announced a run for McLean County auditor Wednesday at Parkview Inn in Bloomington. If incumbent Republican Auditor Michelle Anderson decides to seek another term, she would face Malott in the March 2020 GOP primary.
Malott is the current supervisor of the county’s Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (BHCC). She said no one persuaded her to run. She saw a need for change in the office.
“There have been concerns,” Malott said. “And we are approaching the time to file for elections and for the primary, and … I believe our voters have a choice.”
WGLT reported earlier this month about a dispute between Anderson and County Treasurer Rebecca McNeil over the county’s accounting practices. But Malott said the troubles stemming from the incumbent’s office are only part of the reason she’s running.
“The auditor's office is a lot about financial compliance. And compliance can certainly be done through a dictatorial or authoritative method. It can also be done through training and education and communication.”
Malott said her campaign is not “about” the current auditor, but instead fixing the current dynamic that exists between the auditor’s and treasurer’s offices.
In attendance for Malott's campaign announcement Wednesday were McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage, State's Attorney Don Knapp, and Clerk Kathy Michael—all Republicans. Republicans currently hold all eight countywide offices.
Anderson was appointed auditor in 2009 and won re-election to full terms in 2012 and 2016. Whoever wins the 2020 GOP primary is expected to face Democrat Rob Fazzini, a former Bloomington City Council member, in the general election.
"Trisha Malott has thrown her hat in the ring for county auditor. Waiting to see if Michelle Anderson decides to run again," the McLean County Republican Party posted on Facebook on Wednesday.
Malott has a degree in economics from Illinois State University and has served in various administrative roles where she said she was in charge of various budgets and oversight.
She will not have to leave her current supervisor role with the BHCC for this election.
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