Elections for city auditor in Oregon is upon us and there are two candidates running, Simone Reed and Brian Seltzer. The city’s next auditor will oversee a $11.6 million annual budget and around 50 employees.
Simone Rede, has worked as a senior management auditor at Metro and prior to that was a staff auditor with the state of Oregon. She previously worked in some of Portland’s alternative schools as an advocate for continuing education. Rede stated, “I am running for city auditor because I want to make city government more accountable and accessible to the public,” Rede said in a statement. “I’m excited to build on the office’s efforts to protect its independence, ensure that services are provided equitably, and grow public understanding of city functions.”
Brian Setzler, a certified public accountant who previously worked as an auditor for two international accounting firms, and also worked for Washington state in its revenue department is in the race . He’s a board member for Livelihood NW, a nonprofit that helps minority business owners grow their businesses.
Portland’s current auditor, Mary Hull Caballero, has served in the position since 2015. She announced she would not be seeking reelection last October.
She’s delivered critical reports on the Office of Civic & Community Life, and battled Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty over the phasing out of the Independent Police Review, which Hull Caballero oversees.
