Experience an issue in DuPage County auditor race
DuPage County voters have the choice to maintain the status quo or to shake things up when it comes to electing an auditor for the next four years.
Voters can choose either Republican incumbent Bob Grogan or Democratic challenger William "Bill" White, both of Downers Grove. Whoever wins will be tasked with keeping an eye on county government through internal audits.
Grogan, who has been the county auditor for 12 years, touts both his earlier career as a licensed CPA and his office's record of innovation. Grogan was the first Illinois auditor to implement an online county checkbook, which allows the public to search and view expenditures.
Grogan also emphasizes his creation of an audit hotline, which allows taxpayers to submit reports of fraud, waste or misuse of county resources.
"I think that the people of DuPage County will recognize the good work that I started off doing when I first came into office and that I'm continuing to do," Grogan said during a recent endorsement interview. "I think I've operated in this position with integrity and with a very high level of skills and output."
White, meanwhile, says he believes DuPage is at a "political crossroads" and might be aligning more with the Democrats. He hopes to be a part of any potential change.
"It's very well established in the private sector that rotating auditors is simply the sensible thing to do," White said. "Bringing in a fresh pair of eyes is just inherently good."
White is an attorney who has served on the Downers Grove Village Council and the Community High School District 99 school board. White has also served on the zoning board of appeals in Downers Grove and Woodridge.
"I have a track record of getting the Democrats and Republicans to work together," said White about his time in local government. "My goal as auditor will be to facilitate good government, which I define as transparent."
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