reprinted from

July 20, 2006

MINNESOTA POLITICS

Auditor candidate questions tax hike

Otto criticizes 'no new taxes'

By Kyle Johnson
Herald Staff Writer

The Democratic candidate for state auditor in Minnesota met with the Herald editorial board Wednesday, drawing line between the current policies of the state and what she would do if elected.

Rebecca Otto, a former state legislator^ criticized the "no new taxes" approach under Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

"If you look at everything, we're paying more in taxes. It's just a matter of how much you pay for fees and other things," she said.

Otto also said this policy has reduced the quality of state services such as higher education, and also has put an increased strain on the local governments. These trends are the cause of in creasing property taxes, she said.

The Office of the State Auditor helps "to ensure financial integrity, accountability, and cost-effectiveness of Minnesota's local governmental entities," according to the office's Web site.

Otto said she would treat small communities the same as large cities and would hold regional hearings to create more unified state.

"We're only as strong as our weakest community," she said. "We all have to work together to be our best."

More information can be found at Otto's Web site, www.rebeccaotto.com.