ELECTION: Troy Kelley to Run For State Auditor

(Editor'snote: Just got this from 28th District Legislator , who is making a big announcement)

Tacoma-Pierce County Legislator and small business owner Troy Kelley announced his candidacy today for State Auditor.  Kelley expressed the need to continue improving the state’s transparency, accountability and fiscal integrity. 

"Our ability to focus state government on our top priorities like education depends on our ability to manage budgets responsibly.  I believe the best way I can ensure that happens is by applying my background in auditing and business to make certain our tax dollars are used as efficiently as possible,” said Representative Kelley.

Troy Kelley’s experience includes: 

• Chair, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.  As chair, Kelley conducted all of the I-900 performance audit hearings for the State Auditor’s Office from 2009-2011, and serves as vice chair of the House Business and Financial Institutions Committee that regulates financial institutions. 

• Legislator. First elected in 2006, Kelley sponsored legislation to strengthened current performance standards and realign the priorities of government and reduce costs.

• Business Owner. Twelve years ago, Kelley opened his business tracking recorded documents. As the sole business owner of a multi-state operation, Kelley created and relied on performance measures and audits to maintain productivity and profitability for his distant offices.

Since 1984, Kelley has been involved in the business of moving families into homes.  First, leading the legal department for a Fortune 500 real estate company, and later serving as the president of the largest tax exchange company in the country.  He was elected as president of the trade association for escrow professionals for the state of Washington.

Previously Kelley worked for the federal prosecutor’s office concentrating on white-collar crime.  He also worked as an attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission, leading audit teams focusing on regulatory performance audits. 

Kelley currently serves as a JAG lieutenant colonel for the Washington National Guard.  He spent most of the last decade teaching at the Army JAG School as a member of the reserves.

Troy Kelley holds a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, and a J.D./M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  He is admitted to the bars of Washington, New York, California, and the District of Columbia.