2010 Message
Dear Friend,
Recently, my wife asked. "If someone stormed up to you on the street and demanded in
one sentence why you chose to serve the State of Vermont, what would you say?"
Instantly, I blurted out, "To improve the lives of others".
That is the short answer.
As you know, I made the decision to run for public office in 2005 after seeing first hand
the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I believed then and I believe now that Government
can do better job assessing the problems of the country, and fostering strategic initiatives
to create opportunities and address such failings. Honesty is required. This past year
I've made some decisions, had some difficulties and faced the consequences. The silver
lining in that I am better prepared and focused to effectively lead by example.
We must probe, we must collaborate, we must create and we must commit like
Americans at their very, very best. From the beginning, I have been deeply concerned
about the financial stability of our state and country and its effect on our “Freedom and
Unity.” Our nation cannot borrow its way to prosperity.
In June of 2006 I announced my candidacy for State Auditor and said “Nothing less than
full commitment is required to solve these complex problems”. I promised to increase
financial communication and transparency; to end the confusion that obstructs wise
decision making. “From Main Street to State Street , this confusion is costing us
Vermonters millions.” I claimed, and I meant every word.
After three years in office, my promises to Vermonters manifested in two ways; 1)
Effectively re-organizing the office to conduct performance audits that can identify ways to
improve effectiveness and efficiency, deliver better services and save dollars. 2)
Increasing financial communication to Legislative and Executive branch leadership
urging them, among other things, to bring in consultants to address and respond with
new strategies to a Tsunami of deficits heading toward the States.
The global recession of November of 2007 continues to this day and has impacted
Vermont ’s citizens, businesses, and public entities. The state has lost thousands of
jobs and millions in revenues while social service caseloads and long-term retirement
and health-care liabilities have increased.
It is now more important than ever to understand which state programs work well, which
need help, and which are dysfunctional and no longer needed. My office has begun a
long-term effort focusing on the need for programs or departments to have clear goals,
reliable performance measures, track actual results, and accurately report to consumers,
customers and the public. In this way, scarce public resources can be allocated properly.
We have much work to do, and as Frost wrote, “..I have promises to keep. And miles to go
before I sleep.” This I pledge to you.
Sincerely,
Tom
Thomas M. Salmon, CPA
Vermont State Auditor
-------------------What have you done, Tom?... What since last election?-----------------------
Vermont State Auditor’s Office (SAO) - Thomas M. Salmon, CPA, and Principal
Activities and Accomplishments since the 2008 Election
Our Mission: to be a catalyst for better government through professional audits
promoting efficiency, economy and effectiveness in State Government, including service
to the School and Municipal communities.
Lead by Example
Our office of 12 professionals works tirelessly, with integrity and high standards, in the
name of quality for the benefit of all Vermonters. In 2009, our office prepared a three-year
strategic plan and an SAO Performance Report for the Legislature according to Title 32
VSA 307(c). Also, the office diligently completed a Professional Standards Manual which
provides important guidelines and ensures quality.
Audits and Other Reports
Agency of Transportation Rail Report – Contracts could be managed better.
Financial Statement Management Letter 2008 – Directing management to improvement
areas.
School Survey of Shared Services.
FY 2008 Financial (state funds), CAFR and 2008 A133 Federal Compliance Audit (on
time).
Litigation Report as required by the Legislature.
Improper State Payments and Internal Control deficiencies using State VISION Payment
System.
Monitoring and Management of the Entergy Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Fund*
Sex Offender Registry Data Reliability Audit.
Situation Report at WNESU
Comparison between a Unified Supervisory District and a Multi-Board non-unified
Supervisory Union*
Performance Measurement Reports
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Department of Building and General Services.
Department of Economic Development and Vermont Economic Progress Council.
Financial Training + Financial Literacy
June 2009 training with VLCT on governmental financial issues served 150 participants.
UVM Extension Service training on the value of an Audit Committee and the Audit as a
Management Tool.
Bi-Monthly trainings with sheriffs and staff continue to strengthen financial management.
Statewide Auditor’s Group training for state employees in financial positions conducted
by our office.
Service to Cities, Towns and School Districts
Helped facilitate a nine-week process in Montpelier with a Citizens Financial Review
Committee to identify the cause of a $462,000 overpayment and create a path to a better
control environment.
Helped towns work toward solutions in Williamstown, Guilford, North Troy, Bethel and
others.
Commenced a large school efficiency audit in Southwest Vermont.
Public Policy and Other
-Reported regularly to the legislative nonpartisan Joint Legislative Government
Accountability Committee and the Administration to recommend strategies, provide
updates on our projects and to promote the current process (a statewide performance
measurement architecture) under the direction of Tracy Gallo of the Department of
Human Resources (Summit Education Programs).
-Met with former US Comptroller David Walker to strategize on government
transformation initiatives.
-We will be hosting the 2011 National Conference in VT where Mr. Walker will likely speak.
-Preliminary reviews of Vermont State Police overtime spiking, Autism spending, NETO,
and a VHCB loan program
-Our office worked closely with other agencies, the Attorney General’s office and the
Medicaid Fraud unit to increase oversight efforts and evaluate potential fraud.
*draft report
Recently, my wife asked. "If someone stormed up to you on the street and demanded in
one sentence why you chose to serve the State of Vermont, what would you say?"
Instantly, I blurted out, "To improve the lives of others".
That is the short answer.
As you know, I made the decision to run for public office in 2005 after seeing first hand
the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. I believed then and I believe now that Government
can do better job assessing the problems of the country, and fostering strategic initiatives
to create opportunities and address such failings. Honesty is required. This past year
I've made some decisions, had some difficulties and faced the consequences. The silver
lining in that I am better prepared and focused to effectively lead by example.
We must probe, we must collaborate, we must create and we must commit like
Americans at their very, very best. From the beginning, I have been deeply concerned
about the financial stability of our state and country and its effect on our “Freedom and
Unity.” Our nation cannot borrow its way to prosperity.
In June of 2006 I announced my candidacy for State Auditor and said “Nothing less than
full commitment is required to solve these complex problems”. I promised to increase
financial communication and transparency; to end the confusion that obstructs wise
decision making. “From Main Street to State Street , this confusion is costing us
Vermonters millions.” I claimed, and I meant every word.
After three years in office, my promises to Vermonters manifested in two ways; 1)
Effectively re-organizing the office to conduct performance audits that can identify ways to
improve effectiveness and efficiency, deliver better services and save dollars. 2)
Increasing financial communication to Legislative and Executive branch leadership
urging them, among other things, to bring in consultants to address and respond with
new strategies to a Tsunami of deficits heading toward the States.
The global recession of November of 2007 continues to this day and has impacted
Vermont ’s citizens, businesses, and public entities. The state has lost thousands of
jobs and millions in revenues while social service caseloads and long-term retirement
and health-care liabilities have increased.
It is now more important than ever to understand which state programs work well, which
need help, and which are dysfunctional and no longer needed. My office has begun a
long-term effort focusing on the need for programs or departments to have clear goals,
reliable performance measures, track actual results, and accurately report to consumers,
customers and the public. In this way, scarce public resources can be allocated properly.
We have much work to do, and as Frost wrote, “..I have promises to keep. And miles to go
before I sleep.” This I pledge to you.
Sincerely,
Tom
Thomas M. Salmon, CPA
Vermont State Auditor
-------------------What have you done, Tom?... What since last election?-----------------------
Vermont State Auditor’s Office (SAO) - Thomas M. Salmon, CPA, and Principal
Activities and Accomplishments since the 2008 Election
Our Mission: to be a catalyst for better government through professional audits
promoting efficiency, economy and effectiveness in State Government, including service
to the School and Municipal communities.
Lead by Example
Our office of 12 professionals works tirelessly, with integrity and high standards, in the
name of quality for the benefit of all Vermonters. In 2009, our office prepared a three-year
strategic plan and an SAO Performance Report for the Legislature according to Title 32
VSA 307(c). Also, the office diligently completed a Professional Standards Manual which
provides important guidelines and ensures quality.
Audits and Other Reports
Agency of Transportation Rail Report – Contracts could be managed better.
Financial Statement Management Letter 2008 – Directing management to improvement
areas.
School Survey of Shared Services.
FY 2008 Financial (state funds), CAFR and 2008 A133 Federal Compliance Audit (on
time).
Litigation Report as required by the Legislature.
Improper State Payments and Internal Control deficiencies using State VISION Payment
System.
Monitoring and Management of the Entergy Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Fund*
Sex Offender Registry Data Reliability Audit.
Situation Report at WNESU
Comparison between a Unified Supervisory District and a Multi-Board non-unified
Supervisory Union*
Performance Measurement Reports
Department of Motor Vehicles.
Department of Building and General Services.
Department of Economic Development and Vermont Economic Progress Council.
Financial Training + Financial Literacy
June 2009 training with VLCT on governmental financial issues served 150 participants.
UVM Extension Service training on the value of an Audit Committee and the Audit as a
Management Tool.
Bi-Monthly trainings with sheriffs and staff continue to strengthen financial management.
Statewide Auditor’s Group training for state employees in financial positions conducted
by our office.
Service to Cities, Towns and School Districts
Helped facilitate a nine-week process in Montpelier with a Citizens Financial Review
Committee to identify the cause of a $462,000 overpayment and create a path to a better
control environment.
Helped towns work toward solutions in Williamstown, Guilford, North Troy, Bethel and
others.
Commenced a large school efficiency audit in Southwest Vermont.
Public Policy and Other
-Reported regularly to the legislative nonpartisan Joint Legislative Government
Accountability Committee and the Administration to recommend strategies, provide
updates on our projects and to promote the current process (a statewide performance
measurement architecture) under the direction of Tracy Gallo of the Department of
Human Resources (Summit Education Programs).
-Met with former US Comptroller David Walker to strategize on government
transformation initiatives.
-We will be hosting the 2011 National Conference in VT where Mr. Walker will likely speak.
-Preliminary reviews of Vermont State Police overtime spiking, Autism spending, NETO,
and a VHCB loan program
-Our office worked closely with other agencies, the Attorney General’s office and the
Medicaid Fraud unit to increase oversight efforts and evaluate potential fraud.
*draft report
Contact: tom@salmonforvermont.com |
| Salmon For Vermont PO Box 341 Bellows Falls, VT 05101 -or- 1115 Railroad St St Johnsbury VT 05819 802-779-8979 |
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