GENERAL ELECTION GUIDE: State Controller

BARRY HERR

Party: Republican

Mailing Address: 505 E. Windmill Lane, Suite 1B-207, Las Vegas, NV 89123

E-mail: BarryHerr2010@hotmail.com

Website: BarryHerr2010.com

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

I am a 20-year Nevada resident. I was raised in New Jersey and moved to California where I began working at Imodco, an international company in the oil industry, as a staff accountant. After several years, my wife, daughter and I moved back to New Jersey where I worked for a manufacturing and distribution company. When the recession began in New Jersey, we moved to Las Vegas where my wife's parents retired. Upon arrival I worked as a controller, enrolled at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. While working at the international accounting firm McGladrey and Pullen, I obtained my CPA certification. I have since worked as a CPA in Nevada and am currently the president of the Nevada Society of CPAs-Las Vegas chapter, member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and former Adjunct Professor at UNLV.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

As a fiscal conservative and a CPA the most important issue I would address is how to spend less and get more for each dollar spent. Without raising current taxes or implementing new taxes, as many would allude to, I would find ways to cut needless spending just as my clients and I do with their businesses. My job as a CPA is to help my clients prosper and succeed and I would continue to use my professional expertise in the position as state controller.

Nevada has been a land of opportunity for millions who moved here or who were born and raised here. My goal is to once again help bring Nevada to the level of its past prosperity and even beyond. Through fiscal responsibility, ethical business practices and a diverse economy Nevada can rebound, and be a great place to work and retire without extreme tax burdens.

Why should voters choose you over other candidate?

Because I have an extensive business background as well as being a CPA, I will offer the state government my business acumen. By the nature of the job, it is vital that the state controller be an experienced CPA. With my background as a CPA and in the private sector, experience in national and international business in various positions including as a controller and cost accountant, I am familiar with state business regulations and I know how to review and understand financial reports, which the state generates. With this knowledge, as state controller I will come to the table prepared and experienced. In this economic environment the people of Nevada need and deserve an educated and experienced business person looking out for their welfare. With my experience and conservative spending practices, I will help turn this economy.

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KIM R. WALLIN

Incumbent

Party: Democrat

Mailing Address: 6375 S Arville #7, Las Vegas, NV 89118

Telephone: 702-379-5444

E-mail: dkwallin@gmail.com

Explain your background and how this qualifies you for the position you are seeking.

Not only am I a CPA, I'm a CFM (Certified Financial Manager) and I'm the only CMA (Certified Management Accountant) in this race. As a CMA it means that I have met the highest professional standards in decision making, planning and control. These are critical components of the Controller's job. For over three decades I have been a CPA and a management accountant, helping my clients to be successful in their business. "Accounting Today" recognized me as one of the top 100 most influential people in accounting and in 2006 I was named "Woman CPA of the Year" by American Womens Society of CPA's.

Being Controller for the past four years is irreplacable job experience. During this difficult financial time it's important to have someone who has on-the-job experience in the office and won't waste anytime learning the ropes. I can focus on the job, not learning how do it.

What are the most important issues that you would address if elected?

We need to continue to improve the state's debt collection efforts. My office has seen an improvement in collections from 4 percent to 11 percent of our debt in the beginning and now we are collecting up to 28 percent. My goal is to collect 80 percent.

Cut government waste by recommending and assisting in the performance of operational audits. These audits will show where we can make cuts and re-deploy our precious resources.

The state needs to continue to look for ways to use new technology that will improve our operations and efficiencies. I will be continuing to look for ways to use open source technology that will not only improve our operations, but saves the state money as well.

Why should voters choose you over other candidate?

I have a proven track record of improving efficiency, saving money and increasing transparency of the state's finances.

I'm the only one in this race with management accounting experience and I have the CMA certification to go along with the management accounting experience. As a CMA it means that I have met the highest professional standards in decision making, planning and control. These are critical components of the Controller's job.

I will continue my policy of independence and impartiality in this office. I will make sure that this office remains independent and non-partisian and provides unbiased financial information and advice to the legislature, state agencies and the people.