Sorrell wants second term

MONTGOMERY — State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, a graduate of Muscle Shoals High School and the University of North Alabama, said his desire to continue seeking government accountability is a driving force behind his decision to seek re-election.

Sorrell, a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives representing District 3 in Colbert County, initially stated plans to run for Alabama Secretary of State before deciding to seek a second turn as auditor.

“I’m running for reelection to state auditor because I care deeply about government accountability,” he stated on his campaign website. “I have a real plan for my second term to continue improving our processes and slashing government spending.”

Sorrell said during his first four-year term as auditor, he tacked $1.3 billion in state property.

“Under my leadership, the state loses just a fraction of a percent of state property each year,” he said. “We have over 300,000 inventory items on our rolls and we audit about 180 state departments and agencies.”

He plans to open a Property Investigations Division to investigate when state property goes missing.

“As your state auditor for the last four years, I can name many instances where property was stolen, lost or damaged and no one was held responsible,” Sorrell said. “In some cases, the property losses exceeded $20,000. Ultimately, taxpayers are on the hook for that money. This is totally unacceptable. I will hold state employees responsible, and we will investigate these property cases as we continue our routine audits.”

He also wants to change the Voter Registration Advisory Board to the Voter Registration and Election Integrity Advisory Board. He said more than 95% of eligible Alabama residents are registered to vote.

“Solving our election integrity issues must demand equal focus with voter registration,” Sorrell said. “I will seek to expand the board membership and involve representatives from the Board of Registrars, probate judges, circuit clerks, sheriffs, the Secretary of State’s office and concerned citizens.”