Colonel Jack Jackson represents the people of Missouri’s 89^th District in the House of Representatives. He was first elected to the House in 2002. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Terrorism, Bioterrorism and Homeland Security. Prior to his election to the Legislature, Mr. Jackson was a test, instructor and combat aviator who held the rank of Colonel in the US Marine Corps Reserves.

Both of the other major Republican candidates for Auditor, State Senator John Loudon and State Representative Mark Wright, and Democratic candidate Susan Montee have been invited to participate in an interview for this website. None have chosen to participate at this point. You can read the interview with Libertarian candidate for Auditor Charles Baum by clicking on the Past Articles page.

You can learn more about Mr. Jackson and his campaign by visiting http://www.jackjackson.org

1) Why have you decided to seek the office of Missouri State Auditor?

Rep. Jackson: "After spending more than 30 years in military service as a Marine Corps Colonel and as the Chief Test Pilot for the Boeing Company I chose to continue my public service as a Missouri State Representative. After being elected in 2000 I went to Jefferson City only to find that Claire McCaskill was not "minding the store". I found millions of dollars in wasteful government spending while Ms. McCaskill was busy chasing down television crews and news reporters to use her office as a political club to beat up on her enemies with the overall goal of using the notoriety to seek higher office. I said to myself this has got to stop so I decided to do something about it. That is when I decided to seek the Auditor's Office.

2) What role and influence should the Auditor have in Missouri's government?

Rep. Jackson: The Auditor should be a leader, an independent manager free of political influence. The auditor must be aggressive and courageous, unafraid to stand up to any agency that is charged with spending the taxpayers hard earned money. The auditor should help all branches of government and all agencies which use tax dollars find the most efficient and effective way to do business.

3) What should Missouri's taxpayers expect from the performance of the state's Auditor?

Rep Jackson: The people of Missouri want an auditor they can trust. They want a leader who can direct the accountants and CPAs who work for the state to pursue audits based on the greatest benefit for the taxpayers and not the audits that will simply make a political statement. State Auditors Hire the CPA’s and make sure they are doing their jobs in the best interest of the citizens, In other words the accountants count the numbers, the auditor decides which numbers should be counted.

4) Which changes, if any, would you implement into the structure and/or operations of the Auditor's office if elected?

Rep. Jackson: When I am elected there are three immediate goals I plan to pursue: (1.) Getting back to what the constitution intended the office to be, an independent, non political entity and getting back to the basics of financial oversight. (2.) Conduct an audit of the auditor's office itself. This would make sure that the auditor’s office is run as efficiently as possible. (3.) Taking what is learned in that audit and from my many years of real life experience in business, military and as a father, grandfather and taxpayer and recommend best management practices to all other state offices and agencies. This is what is done in business and this is what can be done in Missouri Government.

5) Which areas of Missouri government and government contracting, if any, will be your top priorities for audits or investigations if elected?

Rep. Jackson: Missouri Schools must be a top priority. With tax dollars such a precious resource surely we can find ways to spend money in schools which will better help teach our students and make our state a better place to live. This is only the beginning there are many other primary focuses including Medicare and Medicaid programs. They are often fraught with misspending and abuse. We need to make sure that the tax dollars allocated for these programs goes to the people who most deserve and need our help. One way to make sure the taxpayer gets the most for their money is to "embed" our auditors directly in to high dollar projects, thus finding the waste and correcting the mistakes before the money is spent and potentially wasted.

6) Given the recent conflicts between the Auditor's and Governor's offices, how would you approach working with other government officials - officials you may be called on to audit in the future?

Rep. Jackson: This goes back to eliminating politics and returning the auditors office to what the constitution intended. This is exactly why the people should demand a trustworthy, independent and courageous leader who will stand up to even the most powerful people in state government and say this is wrong and will not be allowed. As a distant relative of mine, Andrew Jackson once said; "one person with courage is a majority."

7) What are the "red flags" you, as Auditor, would watch for when deciding which audits and investigations to pursue?

Rep. Jackson: Often the agencies with the most to hide are also the most unwilling to embrace and welcome audits but the signs of abuse aren't always obvious, this is why the "embedding" plan would be a great help on very large projects and agencies. We would also utilize a whistle blower hotline and call on the People of Missouri to help keep an eye out for wasteful spending. Routine audits across the spectrum of taxpayer supported agencies will also uncover problems, but they may also reveal best management practices that can be duplicated and spread to other agencies.

8) What experience and qualities sets you apart from the other candidates in this race?

Rep. Jackson: When I was with the Boeing Company I was a key player and central figure in making sure the multi billion dollars projects I worked on were successfully completed on time and on budget. As manager of all Boeings flight demonstration programs I was personally responsible for accounting for every dime that was allocated to me. This taught me the necessity of using money in the most effective and efficient ways possible. As a Colonel in the Marine Corps I lead warriors in to battle. I flew 668 combat missions in Vietnam and was recalled to active duty in Desert Storm. I saw comrades around me give their lives to defend our nation and our freedoms. I learned a very deep appreciation for service to my fellow citizens. I learned about leadership and courage and trust in a way only lived through these kinds of experiences can understand. As a State Representative and leadership role as Chairman of two committees I have learned how our government works and how it can work better. I am proud of the fact that I worked tirelessly and risked my life time and time again in defense of my fellow citizens. I will now focus all of energies and real life experiences in to the defense of your tax dollars. I am asking for your vote to be Missouri's next State Auditor.