Building upon the strong foundation and lasting legacy of Auditor DeNucci, I will lead the office into the 21st century. Over the last three months I have visited 93 caucuses and countless communities sharing my vision for the office, a vision that includes partnering with state agencies to implement a statewide energy audit program. To highlight the common-sense nature of this proposal and the cost-saving opportunities it provides, I share with you the example of a Florida school district that is saving $1.2 million a year in energy savings, at virtually no cost to the taxpayers. This is not just environmentally responsible, it is financially responsible.
As your next State Auditor, I will take a proactive approach to eliminate inefficiencies in government by serving as a partner with our public managers today and not just a critic tomorrow. I will serve the people of Massachusetts by ensuring that each of your hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. I will use my experience as a member of a bank examination team within the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to lead the Auditor’s staff in performing financial and performance audits. I will use my experience in the non-profit sector to improve the communication of best practices, rebuilding confidence in government.
I believe we need a new solution for the next generation-do you?
Mike Lake
Democratic Candidate for State Auditor
www.ElectMikeLake.com
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(978) 704-1776
sco says
C’mon over to the Watertown Democratic Town Committee this evening, 7:30PM in the Lower Hearing Room of the Watertown Town Hall (149 Main st).
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p>Mike will be second on the agenda, after fellow Auditor candidate Sheriff Guy Glodis.
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p>All are welcome!
stomv says
Any thoughts on opening up more government data to people using XML and other formats which would allow folks the ability to integrate gov’t data into apps for iPhones, the web, etc?
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p>How about pushing our gov’t to publish even more of our docs in open formats (hint: neither .xls nor .doc are open)?
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p>How about moving more of our software to open source applications, thereby lowering TCO and ensuring that we don’t suffer from vendor lock?
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p>How about coming up with simple to “install” modules for cities and towns, so that they can more efficiently audit their processes? For example, my Town has a history of not doing a good job tracking mileage and fuel for Town vehicles — something that other communities (and the Commonwealth) may also struggle with in some agencies. Coming up with a best practice module, complete with software and hardware, training, paperwork, whatever, and then sharing it with cities and towns could help both state and local government cut waste with the same tax dollar, a double win.
4scoreand7 says
Bernstein over at Talking Politics recently wrote this about your resume:
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p>I like young candidates. Your enthusiasm impressed me. And I do think you have some good experience, albeit not for this caliber of position. But I am concerned that you feel you need to post pictures of yourself with President Clinton on your website to give yourself credibility. If you are qualified, why rely on things that – while strictly true – were a huge disappointment to a voter like me when I realized how they’d been misrepresented?
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p>I want more than just a good salesperson as Auditor, though you are undoubtedly that. But I wish you had been more truthful with your record, and I encourage you to be so in the future. You have a good career ahead of you – you just may need to start with school committee or something smaller to match your experience.
medfieldbluebob says
Welcome Mike. Thanks for the post.
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p>Mike was at the Medfield DTC meeting last week. Articulate and thoughtful; could even speak on XML and data transparency.
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p>Mike, I am hoping you’d comment on the Boston Phoenix blog post about your resume (Anything Fishy In Lake’s Bio?)? Just to get your side of the story.
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p>Thanks for joining us here at BMG and sharing your thoughts and ideas. I look forward to more postings as the campaign goes on.
amberpaw says
What is your definition/understanding of the State Auditor’s role – not intended as a “soft ball” question, I really want to know and would like the same question answered by Susanne Bump and Guy Glodis.
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p>Also, how would you use technology both to ensure safe data storage, protective accounting redundancy and accuracy, as well as cost control? That includes XML – but not only that.
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p>I remain totally undecided in this race.
conseph says
Data Security as Amber points out, will continue to grow in prominence as the Commonwealth transitions its technology into the 21st century. The Commonwealth has passed a series of laws applicable to data security that should work to keep people’s data more secure than otherwise would be the case. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has exempted itself from the laws and regulations. Would you, as auditor, support the application of data security laws passed by the Commonwealth to the Commonwealth’s operations?
ed-poon says
theloquaciousliberal says
Why?
ed-poon says
What percentage of their mandate is duplicated by the AG, Inspector General, Treasurer, or some executive branch (e.g., ANF)?
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p>And why should this person be independently elected, giving rise to yet another batch of jobs for political hangers-on (“he’s my cousin, ok?”).
bostonshepherd says
I think only Mary Connaughton (R) has any of these qualifications.
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p>Mike Lake is a smart, nice guy (known to friends of mine whose opinions I trust) but is he qualified as State Auditor? It’s a pretty non-partisan position. Why wouldn’t you want the best qualified candidate, i.e., one with actual credentials — like a CPA — that matter?
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p>Guy Glodis? Suzanne Bump? And Mike Lake? Aren’t they … just politicians?
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sco says
More important than a CPA is the ability to manage a large organization. We’re electing someone to head an agency, not someone to comb over the state’s books.
yellowdogdem says
Mary Connaughton, Joe Malone’s CFO at the State Lottery, who slept while books of Lottery tickets got lost, Lottery employees violated the law by playing the Lottery, employees not showing up for work, and more? Can’t wait for Mary to do to the Auditor’s Office what she did for the Lottery.
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p>And a CPA credential? It is the Comptroller’s Office, not the Auditor’s Office, that is responsible for the annual audit of the Commonwealth’s books. The last thing you need in the Auditor’s Office is a CPA. We need an Auditor to find out if our tax dollars are doing what they are supposed to do. It’s just not the same.
mikelake says
@ stomv – These are great suggestions that get at exactly what I’m describing when I say we need to bring the Auditor’s office into the 21st century. With part of my education in management information systems, I have a deep appreciation for the efficiencies technology can deliver. Furthermore, I’m a believer in President Obama’s idea that technology can create a more open, accountable government. The MBTA has been taking some important steps towards open source software and XML – here’s a link to the project on their website. With the right approach and communication between our state and local agencies, sharing and expanding upon this type of open-source solution could increase efficiency and responsiveness for state agencies across the Commonwealth. Making this data available makes it possible for engaged citizens such as yourself to offer their own innovative solutions in collaboration with more responsive public managers.
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p>@ AmberPaw – My understanding of the Auditor’s role is rooted in the core responsibility of the office – ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. In addition to functioning as an independent watchdog, the Auditor can play an important role by objectively evaluating management practices in state agencies and suggesting best practices in its Audit recommendations. I believe that the office can more effectively protect taxpayer dollars by making the audit process more proactive, partnering with public managers today to identify and eliminate wasteful business practices, saving you and I money, and redirecting those funds to provide greater services.
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p>By suggesting solutions and sharing best practices between public managers, the Auditor’s office can be a powerful tool to spread the successes of individual agencies across state government and stop waste before it starts. For example, a former state insurance commissioner in Massachusetts saved money and streamlined agency process simply by changing the document approval system in her office. There are dozens of similar commonsense solutions waiting to be discovered – including in our Commonwealth’s IT practices. As State Auditor, I intend to leverage my experience and education designing management information systems to modernize and improve the way state government operates.
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p>@ 4Scoreand7 and MedfieldBlueBob – I believe it is critical for all voters to have a clear understanding of the individuals they are electing. So, in no uncertain terms let me state that I have truthfully represented the experience and education that make me the most qualified candidate to be your next State Auditor. I can understand the tendency to ask questions about a young candidate’s experience, but with that said, I am proud of the career I have built in a relatively short period of time, and my youth does not make it incumbent upon me to diminish my accomplishments. I am running in this election to bring an independent perspective to the Auditor’s Office shaped by broad experience ranging from finance to information technology. My breadth of experiences, confirmed by the author of the article you reference to be true and factual, will allow me to serve you better in solving problems in government. I have designed and implemented solutions to eliminate such problems, and I will do the same in Massachusetts so that you, and every taxpayer in the Commonwealth realizes the greatest possible return on their tax investment.
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p>In the article you reference, the author concludes that there have been no misrepresentations. I urge any interested voter to review my website for information on my career and accomplishments, and I look forward to continue meeting with voters across the Commonwealth to discuss my qualifications and new ideas for the Auditor’s Office.
4scoreand7 says
That’s a good stock political answer, but I think you misunderstood my question. I was in no way diminishing your accomplishments because you’re young or questioning the factual quality of your bio – I want to be clear on that. I was asking why you are presenting your experience in a way that makes it seem more than it is. That’s the conclusion the article comes to, not that you are outright lying.
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p>Why do it if you do believe you are qualified for this job? It opens you up to these sorts of questions (which are a lot nicer on BMG than they will be in the Herald or Globe) and it makes voters wonder what you’re trying to make up for. Electability is everything after the dreaded Coakley, and this is a stupid campaign strategy if your bio does speak for itself. (Sorry for the blunt delivery, but you were “my” candidate in this race & I’m tired of being disappointed by politicians.)
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medfieldbluebob says
Mike, good reply for a start. You’re right, the article didn’t question the facts of the bio. It did question the impression the wording of the bio conveys.
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p>Perhaps it’s a matter of a definite article or two? Were you THE Director of Development, or, A Director of Development?
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p>Did you “run the day to day operations” of the Clinton White House? As a Northeastern co-op? I’ve managed NU co-ops; great kids all of ’em. But let ’em manage a zillion dollar budget? Run the White House?
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p>How many people work for you? How many people have ever worked for you?
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p>You’re a bright guy and have accomplished much. (You had most of us at 5 majors.) You don’t want this to be the issue that defines you, and it will if it’s not handled correctly.
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p>It’s about “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”. Agreed that you got “the truth” – what you say is “true and factual”. It’s “the whole truth” that the article questioned – exactly what were the jobs behind the title.
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p>Most voters would be impressed that a college kid worked in the White House. They wouldn’t care if you just walked the dog or took out the trash.
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p>We’re trying to be helpful here and point out that you might be getting out on to the thin ice.
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p>Don’t lawyer this; look where that got Clinton.
murraygm359 says
Very well said, BlueBob. I tend to intertwine lying with only telling a portion of the truth. It’s disingenuous at best, and deceitful at worst. Mr. Bernstein’s article did conclude that Lake didn’t lie, per se, but that he certainly didn’t tell the whole truth. Some will say every politician embellishes to appear qualified for a job, and that may be true. But along those lines, Mr. Lake is far from the Beacon Hill outsider he portrays himself to be, but instead is a run-of-the-mill politico who will resort to saying anything to get elected.
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p>I, too, would be very interested in learning the specifics of his experience: did he MANAGE a $54 million budget at the White House, as he implies, or did he simply operate WITHIN a $54 million budget? Lake clearly implies he was THE Director of Development for the United Way, though Bernstein found there are many that carry that title.
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p>When you tell only part of the truth, you’re intentionally leaving things out. Trying to hide something? I can be swayed, but I’m growing more skeptical that Mr. Lake has painted himself as something he isn’t.
mikelake says
Thank you again for all of your comments and your attention to my campaign. I am sorry for the delay in responding to the questions posed here. I have spent the past days traveling to Watertown, Springfield, Arlington and Harvard, among others. I am happy to have this opportunity to clarify the details of my resume, some of which seem to have become confused and clouded over the past week.
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p>In my biography I chose to highlight my work as Special Assistant for White House Operations because it is directly relevant to the office I seek. Let me be clear about how I earned my position at the White House. Ten years ago I moved to Washington D.C. to work as an intern in the Office of Management and Administration. This internship was part of Northeastern University’s co-op program. After completing my six month work experience I moved back to Massachusetts. Shortly thereafter, I answered a phone call from a member of President Clinton’s White House staff. They called to thank me for my exemplary work and asked if I would return to Washington to accept a Presidential Appointment as Special Assistant for White House Operations. Without hesitation I accepted the opportunity to serve my President and my country. With that appointment I became a full fledged member of President Clinton’s White House Staff. While there, I managed daily operations of the agency and was directly responsible for procurement. I designed a database management system that eliminated inefficiencies in the process of billing media outlets traveling with the President. I managed transition logistics at the end of the Clinton administration. I possessed the only White House credit card with direct access to a $54 million budget. I managed staff, interns and volunteers to assist me in meeting the diverse operational demands of the White House.
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p>I hope this helps to clarify any questions you had about my experiences and accomplishments. I look forward to continuing this dialogue, particularly as it relates to the role the Auditor’s office plays in addressing the issues facing the Commonwealth today.
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p>In the coming days I will be in Sturbridge, Groton, Marshfield and a few other spots, but my staff and I will try to respond in a timely manner to the questions posed here.
couves says
The Republicans have a race for Auditor too – my candidate is Kamal Jain. His background is in info tech and his main issue is putting all state expenditures (including Pacheco law disclosures) on the web, fully searchable. 31 states already have some sort of database. Online access is the new standard for government transparency and our Commonwealth is being left behind.