[♪♪] GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO KENTUCKY TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

TONIGHT, WE BEGIN OUR SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS WITH CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THE NOVEMBER SEVENTH GENERAL ELECTION.

IN OUR SECOND HALF HOUR, YOU’LL MEET THE TWO CANDIDATES FOR STATE TREASURER.

BUT FIRST, THE CANDIDATES FOR AUDITOR OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.

WE’RE JOINED, IN OUR LEXINGTON STUDIO, BY: ALLISON BALL, THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR STATE AUDITOR; AND THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE, KIMBERLEY REEDER.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY X — FORMERLY TWITTER -- AT K-Y TONIGHT K-E-T.

SEND AN EMAIL TO K-Y TONIGHT AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G. OR USE THE WEB FORM AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G SLASH K-Y TONIGHT.

OR YOU CAN CALL 1-800-494-7605.

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS.

WELCOME CANDIDATES GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL HERE THIS EVENING.

LET'S START FOR THE VIEWERS TO GET A CHANCE TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AND YOUR BACKGROUND AND WE'LL START WITH TREASURER BALL, THAT IS THE POSITION YOU OCCUPY.

AND GIVING US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, TELL US WHY YOU ARE UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO BE THE NEXT KENTUCKY STATE AUDITOR.

>> I ALWAYS SAY IF YOU KNOW WHAT I WILL BE LIKE AS AUDITOR LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE BEEN AS TREASURER IT'S AN HONOR TO SERVE KENTUCKY AS TREASURER.

I THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE HONOR OF SERVING YOU IN THAT ROLE.

IT IS A WATCHDOG ROLE, THE WATCHDOG ON THE FRONT END OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS GUARDING THE BANK ACCOUNT AND WHAT IS PAID, LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL AND ROLE.

I'VE STOPPED EMB EMBEZZLEMENT AD FRAUD.

I'VE BEEN THE WATCHDOG AND I'M ASKING TO SEND ME TO BE THE WATCHDOG ON BACK END.

THE AUDITOR AUDITS THE AUDITOR IS THAT WATCHDOG ON THE BACK END ONCE MONEY HAS BEEN PAID IN KENTUCKY THE AUDITOR MAKES SURE THAT MONEY IS USED CORRECTLY.

THE PROCESSES ARE CORRECT AND IF NOT THE AUDITOR MAKES SURE THERE'S ACCOUNTABILITY.

I'VE BEEN YOUR WATCHDOG AND SEND ME BACK.

I'VE BEEN A PROSECUTOR FOR FOUR YEARS.

I KNOW HOW TO DO DEEP DIVES AND TO BE FAIR.

I WAS A BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY I HAVE A BACKGROUND THAT HAS ME READYING TO TO SERVE YOU AS AUDITOR.

>> Renee: MS. REEDER YOUR INTRODUCTION?

>> I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN ROUND COUNTY AND FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO ACQUIRE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AFTER THAT.

I ATTENDED YALE UNIVERSITY FOR UNDERGRADUATE AND DUAL DEGREES IN PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW AT DUKE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA LAW SCHOOL.

IABILITY BUILT A SUCCESSFUL TAX PRACTICE OVER 20 YEARS.

MULTIBILLION DOLLAR CORPORATIONS CONSULTED WITH ME TO SOLVE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS I WAS NAMED A TOP 10 TAX LAWYER IN THE COUNTRY.

ALL OF THAT WAS VERY SATISFYING AND THEN IN 2014 MY MOTHER BECAME ILL AND MY DAUGHTER AND I MOVED BACK TO MOORE HEAD.

SO THE WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE ARE A SET OF PROFESSIONAL SKILLS THAT HAVE BEEN LOOKED OVER BY SOME OF THE HARSHEST COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTS AND DEEMED TO BE WORTHY OF THE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS NOW I JUST WANT TO PUT THOSE SKILLS TO USE FOR KENTUCKIANS FOR ALL KENTUCKIANS.

YOU KNOW THIS ROLE DECIDING TO RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE IT'S I'M NOT A POLITICIAN.

TO QUOTE THE LATE BURKE COMBS I NEEDED TO RUN FOR POLITICAL OFFICE LIKE A HOGG NEEDS A SIDE SADDLE.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY COMMITTED TO DOING AND SERVING KENTUCKIANS.

>> Renee: YOU HAVE TALKED ABOUT OUR ON PROGRAM ON KET HOW YOU WANT TO ADDRESS WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE AND THOSE SEEM LIKE FAMILIAR STANCES WE HEAR FROM THE WATCHDOG OFFICES.

HOW DO WE MOVE BEYOND A TRITE PHRASE TO TRANSLATE THAT TO RESULTS THAT CAN BENEFIT KENTUCKY TAXPAYERS?

>> THE AUDITOR FOCUSES ON FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS AS WELL AS ACCOUNTS.

BUT THE AUDITOR CAN ALSO FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE OF AGENCIES.

AND SO WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THERE, CERTAINLY, WE DON'T WANT FRAUD AND ABUSE.

WE DON'T WANT MONEY GOING WHERE IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO GO.

BUT HAVING THE ABILITY TO WEIGH WHETHER AN AGENCY IS CONDUCTING A PROGRAM IN AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAY, THAT'S ALSO A VERY IMPORTANT FUNCTION THAT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE CAN PLAY.

FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE RECENTLY RELEASED OUR FIRST STATE-WIDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT.

THAT SHOWED VERY HIGH STATISTICS WITH REGARD TO INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE.

SO ONE ROLE THE AUDITOR COULD PLAY IS IN ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION EFFORTS.

AND THAT'S WHERE YOU SEE THE AUDITOR REALLY COMING INTO EVERYDAY KENTUCKIANS LIVES AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE NOT JUST IN A TRITE OR THEORETICAL SENSE.

>> Renee: TO YOU MS. BALL, THE CURRENT OFFICE HOLDER IS ALSO A REPUBLICAN WHOM YOU KNOW VERY WELL.

CAN YOU PINPOINT A PARTICULAR AUDIT THAT HE PERFORMED THAT REALLY DOES EPITOMIZE THE POWER AND THE PURPOSE OF THE OFFICE AND WOULD BE A PROCESS THAT YOU WOULD ALSO EMULATE SHOULD YOU BECOME THE NEXT STATE AUDITOR.

>> WHAT I THINK IS THE BEST GUIDELINE IS A PHRASE HE USES ALL THE TIME AND IT'S FOLLOW THE DATA.

HE SAYS THIS IS A NONPARTISAN ROLE AND MAKE SURE YOU DON'T SHOW FAVORITISM AND DON'T GO AFTER ANYBODY BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE THEM.

THIS IS FAIR ACROSS THE BOARD.

AND HARMON TRIED TO DO THAT.

HE HAS HAD REPUBLICANS HE AUDITED AND DEMOCRATS.

AND FAIR ACROSS THE BOARD.

SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE IT'S BEEN FINANCIAL AND PROCESSES.

ONE IN PARTICULAR HE FOUND THAT THIS SOUNDS SIMPLE BUT PEOPLE WERE USING THEIR LEAVE TIME FOR ELECTIONS IN THEIR STATE GOVERNMENT WORKERS AND NOT ACTUALLY VETTING THEY WERE USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO DO THAT.

HE MAKES SURE THAT HE IS FAIR ACROSS THE BOARD.

FOLLOW THE DATA AND IT WAS A TREMENDOUS GUIDELINE WHICH I WANT TO FOLLOW IN THAT ROLE, TOO.

I WANT IT TO BE CONSISTENTLY NONPARTISAN AND FAIR ACROSS THE BOARD.

>> Renee: AND CAN YOU ASSURE KENTUCKY VOTERS THAT IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH AN ALL REPUBLICAN SUPER MAJORITY IN EVERY ASPECT OF GOVERNMENT THAT YOU CAN BE AN INDEPENDENT VOICE AND INVESTIGATE MEMBERS OF YOUR OWN PARTY OR THE INSTITUTIONS WHICH THEY RUN FROM NR.

>> I'VE BEEN ASKED THAT YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR SOMETHING.

I AM A REPUBLICAN AND THERE ARE MANY REPUBLICANS IN THE STATE.

I HAVE TO ASK MYSELF WOULD I BE WILLING TO GO AFTER MY FRIENDS ON THE SAME SIDE OF ME AND THE ANSWER IS YES.

I DID THAT DEEP WORK BEFORE I SAID I WANTED TO RUN FOR THIS OFFICE CAN I GO AFTER PEOPLE WHO I MAY LIKE THEY MAY BE FRIENDS OF MINE BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES YOU TO BE FAIR AND CONSISTENT ACROSS THE BOARD.

YES I WILL DO THAT.

I'VE DONE IT IN A CLEAR WAY WHEN I WAS A PROSECUTOR FOR FOUR YEARS IN EASTERN KENTUCKY I'M FROM PRESTONSBURG AND I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A REPUBLICAN SO I WORKED IN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE DEMOCRAT CHAIR IN THAT COUNTY.

AND EVERYONE KNEW I WAS REPUBLICAN BUT THEY GAVE ME THE ROLE AS BEING A PROSECUTOR IN MY HOME COUNTY BECAUSE I ASSURED THEM I CAN TREAT EVERYBODY FAIRLY AND MAKE SURE THAT JUSTICE IS SOUGHT AFTER AND ACHIEVED AND I DID THAT.

I HAVE A BACKGROUND OF DOING THAT.

I'VE TRIED TO DO THAT IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE BUT THE PROSECUTORS ROLE IS TREATING EVERYBODY FAIRLY ACROSS THE BOARD THAT IS WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES.

>> Renee: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT A DEVELOPMENT THE TEAM WESTERN KENTUCKY RELIEF FUND BOTH $65 MILLION.

THESE ARE DONATION POWERED INITIATED BY GOVERNOR BESHEAR AND THEY HAVE COME UNDER SCRUTINY FROM REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS WHO HAVE ASKED THE AUDITOR TO DO AN AUDIT AND LOOK IN IT.

THE LAWMAKERS SAID THEY HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT DUE DILIGENCE AND THE OVERSIGHT OF THE FUNDS AND REPORTS FOLKS NOT AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS RECEIVED THOSE CHECKS.

DO YOU SUPPORT THAT KIND OF EXAMINATION AND WOULD YOU HAVE INITIATED THAT AND FOLLOW WHAT THE REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ARE SEEKING?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I APPRECIATE THE APPROACH.

AND WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IS WE RAISED RED FLAGS WHEN WE THINK THERE'S AN ISSUE.

WHEN THERE IS ANY REASON TO THINK THAT A PROCESS OR A RESULT ISN'T BEING OBTAINED IN THE WAY THAT IT SHOULD BE UNDER THE LAW, THAT'S THE AUDITOR'S JOB IS TO DO AN INDEPENDENT AND DISINTERESTED LOOK AT IT.

NOW, WHAT THE AUDITOR DIGS INTO TO LOOK AT IS IS IT MATERIAL?

IS IT SOMETHING -- WE DON'T EXPECT AGENCIES TO BE PER.

WE -- PERFECT.

WE EXPECT THEM NOT NOT MATERIALLY MISSTATE WHAT THEIR FINANCIAL OPERATIONS ARE.

SO IF WHAT I WOULD NEED TO DO TO BE ABLE TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THAT AUDIT SHOULD GO FORWARD WOULD BE TO LOOK AT THE DETAILS.

GET MIRED IN THE DETAILS THAT'S ALWAYS WHERE THE DEVIL IS.

AND FIGURE OUT IF THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO GO FORWARD WITH A FULL AUDIT.

>> Renee: AND DO YOU THINK THERE'S ENOUGH EVIDENCE-BASED ON NEWS EFFORTS THAT WARRANT A AUDIT?

>> IT DEPENDS A FEW THREE, MISDIRECTED PAYMENTS MAYBE NOT.

A THRESHOLD ISSUE OF MORE THAT COULD RAISE MORE OF A SPECTER OF DOUBT.

>> Renee: MS. BALL.

>> I WAS ASKING FOR AN AUDIT FROM THE BEGINNING THAT HAVE THAT ONE, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY RELIEF FUND AND MY OFFICE AS TREASURER HAS BEEN THE ONE OVERSEEING THE BANK ACCOUNT I CAN SEE THE MONEY COMING IN AND GOING OUT.

WHEN THE PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET WAS TASKED BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE DOLLARS I REQUESTED RIGHT AWAY OVERSIGHT OF THOSE FUNDS.

I ACTUALLY REQUESTED AN AUDIT IN THE PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET SAID NO THANK YOU.

I HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR IT FOR SOMETIME TO AUDIT THAT AND ASKING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY I THINK YOU NEED TO PUT GUARDRAILS IN PLACE.

THERE ARE NOT NORMAL GOVERNMENT CONTROLS AND PROCESSES OVER THIS I BEGAN ASKING THEM FOR THAT AND WHEN THE FLOODS HAPPENED IN EASTERN KENTUCKY I ASKED BECAUSE I WAS CONCERNED HOW THE WESTERN KENTUCKY WAS RUN.

IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR, THE PUBLIC PROTECTION CABINET ASKED US TO DELIVER CHECKS WE DID $10 MILLION OF CHECKS FOR THE WESTERN KENTUCKY RELIEF FUND AND WE STARTED GETTING CALLS I'VE GOTTEN THIS CHECK I WAS NOT IMPACTED BY THE TORNADOES WE HAD PEOPLE CALL US, MY IN-LAWS IN TAYLOR COUNTY HAD PEOPLE AT THEIR CHURCH SAY, HEY I DON'T KNOW WHY I GOT THIS CHECK DID YOU ASK YOUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW FIND OUT WHY.

SO AT THAT POINT WE HAD 200 CHECKS THAT WENT TO THE WRONG PEOPLE.

WE HAVE A THOUSAND CHECKS I BELIEVE RIGHT NOW THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CASHED AT ALL.

AND THIS IS RIGHT NOW OCTOBER.

SO 10 MONTHS SINCE THEY WERE MAILED OUT.

I THOUGHT THE WHOLE TIME WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS AN AUDIT OF THESE FUNDS AND MAKE SURE THERE'S GOOD CONTROLS IN PLACE.

I'VE BEEN ASKING.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY LAST SESSION THEY PASSED A BILL THAT PUT MORE STRUCTURE AND GUIDELINES OVER THESE FUNDS WHICH I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE.

AGAIN THESE YOU ALWAYS GUARD TAXPAYER DOLLARS YOU MAKE SURE YOU PROTECT THOSE PUT THESE ARE DONATED DOLLARS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD TO HELP PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE WESTERN KENTUCKY TOWARDS WE HAD A $100,000 CHECK FROM TAIWAN, THE COUNTRY OF TAIWAN TRYING TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN KENTUCKY.

THERE SHOULD BE AN AUDIT.

>> Renee: AND YOU WOULD REQUIRE THAT IF THERE WAS A REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE JOB IS ABOUT MAKING SURE TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE USED CORRECTLY AND IN THIS CASE DONATED DOLLARS, THERE IS A HIGHER THRESHOLD.

THEY COULD SEND THEM TO THE RED CROSS OR SALVATION ARMY AND YOU ARE SAYING SEND THEM HERE YOU HAVE TO HAVE GUARDRAILS.

>> Renee: YOU CAN DEBUNK THE CLAIM IT IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED AND THE AUDIT WAS CALLED FOR THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTION.

>> I ASKED FOR A AUDIT RIGHT AWAY FROM OVER A YEAR AGO I ASKED FOR AN AUDIT.

LONG BEFORE THERE WAS AN ELECTION I ASKED FOR AN AUDIT AND I HAVE IT DOCUMENTED.

>> Renee: ANOTHER AUDIT, THAT HAS BEEN REQUESTED AND THAT IS FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IT REFERENCING ADMINISTRATOR PAY, THE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES WHICH WE'RE FAMILIAR WITH, GUNS IN SCHOOLS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS HAVE CALLED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT OFFICE AUDIT OF JCPS TO PROVIDE A TEN-YEAR LOOK BACK.

JCPS SAID IT'S UNDERGONE SIX AUDITS SINCE 2017 AND I WILL ASK YOU DO YOU SUPPORT AND WOULD YOU CARRY OUT A FULL FINANCIAL AND MANAGEMENT AUDIT OF JCPS?

>> IN MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHEN WE'RE CONDUCTING AN ANALYSIS OF A PROBLEM WE START AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROBLEM.

IN THE INITIATIVE STAGES.

AND WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT JCPS WASN'T THE ONLY DISTRICT EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH BUS DRIVERS THIS YEAR.

FROM REPORTS THAT I'VE SEEN WE COULD SEE THAT IN JESSAMINE COUNTY, BULLET COUNTY, SHELBY COUNTY, CLARK COUNTY.

A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS WERE HAVING THOSE PROBLEMS.

AND SO IN THAT CASE, WE LOOK BACK TO WHERE THE FUNDS ORIGINATED.

THE FUNDS ORIGINATED UNDER THE EDUCATION FORMULA THAT ALLOCATES DOLLARS TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS COMING FROM THE STATE.

AND WE KNOW THAT WITH REGARD TO TRANSPORTATION THAT THERE ARE FUNDING STATUTES FUNDING PROVISIONS THAT AREN'T BEING COMPLIED WITH.

BEFORE WE CAN POINT A LIGHT ON JEFFERSON COUNTY SPECIFICALLY, WE HAVE TO START AT THE BEGINNING AND SEE HOW THOSE DOLLARS ARE COMING THROUGH THAT EDUCATION FORMULA.

>> Renee: FROM STATE LAWMAKERS.

>> FROM STATE LAWMAKERS.

THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

>> Renee: LET ME ASK YOU THAT, MS. BALL BECAUSE WE KNOW THERE WAS A STUDY THAT CAME OUT FROM A PROGRESS LEANING THINK TANK ABOUT THE FUNDING GAP BETWEEN THE POOREST AND THE WEALTHIEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

I WANT YOU TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ABOUT JCPS AND IF THERE IS A PLACE FOR THE AUDITOR TO DO THAT AND ALSO WOULD YOU HOLD THE REPUBLICAN DOMINATED GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S FEET TO THE FIRE WHEN IT COMES TO NARROWING THOSE EQUITY FUNDING GAPS?

THAT SEEM TO BE WIDER NOW THAN BEFORE THEY WERE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL IN 1989?

>> TO THE FIRST QUESTION AUDIT AT JCPS ABSOLUTELY.

WHEN I HEARD OF THE BUSING SITUATION IN LOUISVILLE I WAS APPALLED.

I HAVE A FIVE-YEAR-OLD AND A TWO-YEAR-OLD IF MY CHILD DIDN'T GET HOME UNTIL 10:00 P.M.

I WOULD BE BESIDES MYSELF UPSET.

THOSE ARE NOT MINOR PROBLEMS THOSE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.

I BEGAN ASKING FOR AN AUDIT THAT WEEK SOME PLACES I WAS SPEAKING AT AND NEWS MEDIA, IT SEEMED APPROPRIATE TO DO AN AUDIT GIVING THE FACT IT'S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE THERE'S BEEN A FULL AUDIT OF JCPS IT'S APPROPRIATE TO DO THAT.

THOSE ARE THINGS THE LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT WE HAVE IN KENTUCKY.

IT IS APPROPRIATE TO REVISIT THOSE AND TO DO THEM.

I THINK THE WORRY ABOUT DOING IT THERE IS ALWAYS THE COST OF IT BECAUSE IT WILL BE EXPENSIVE.

AND I DO THINK THAT YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE YOU WANT SCHOOLS TO BE PUTTING THEIR MONEY TOWARDS TEACHING KIDS.

OF COURSE YOU DO.

I DO THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN AUDIT.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY I THINK THIS IS WORTH AN APPROPRIATION.

I DON'T THINK IF WE CAN HELP IT I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD PUT MORE OF A COST ON THEM.

I WOULD PLEDGE TO WORK WITH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND HEY I THINK THIS AUDIT IS NECESSARY IT'S APPROPRIATE AND NEEDED.

AND I ALSO THINK THAT THIS WOULD BE THE TIME TO PUT MONEY TO IT.

>> Renee: HOW MUCH MONEY?

>> I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE OVER HALF A MILLION.

WHAT WHAT I UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE COST OF AUDITS THIS IS EXPENSIVE.

I WOULD START AT HALF A MILLION.

HALF A MILLION.

$500 MAYBE 700,000.

I THINK BALL PARK YOU NEED TO PLAN ON IT BEING A COSTLY AUDIT.

SO LIKE I SAID I AM MORE THAN COMFORTABLE PUSHING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO SAY, HEY THIS IS WORTHWHILE THIS IS WORTH PUTTING MONEY TO.

LET'S APPROPRIATE THIS AND IN THE COURSE OF THAT AUDIT IF IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THERE'S FUNDING NOT HAPPENING THOSE ARE THINGS YOU PULL OUT FROM AN AUDIT THAT IS WHAT AUDITS ARE FOR.

YOU FIND EFFICIENCIES AND PROBLEMS YOU KNOW IN A VARIETY OF ASPECTS AND IF IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FUNDING ABSOLUTELY THAT CAN BE PART OF A FINDING.

I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK WITHOUT HAVING DONE SOMETHING THIS DESERVES A LOOK THROUGH AND IF IS SOMETHING TO BE ADDRESSED AND THAT IS WHAT YOU DO THE AUDIT FOR.

>> Renee: CAN THE AUDITOR COMPEL THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY INTO ACTION?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

THEY ARE SEPARATE BRANCH.

BUT I HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

IT IS A SUPER MAJORITY AND I AM A REPUBLICAN.

SO I'VE GOT GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH A LOT OF THOSE FOLKS AND I'VE WORKED WELL WITH THEM IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

I PUSHED TO GET A HIGH SCHOOL LITERACY TRAINING BILL PASSED AND IT'S A REQUIREMENT IN KENTUCKY.

THERE WASN'T MUCH OF AN INTEREST IN THAT.

I WORKED IT HARD AND IT'S NOW THE LAW OF THE LAND THAT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE TO BE FINANCIAL LITERACY AND THAT IS ME WORKING WITH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHEN THERE WAS NOT INTEREST BEFORE I GOT INVOLVED.

SOME THINGS MAYBE A HEAVIER LIFT THAN OTHERS BUT I'M HAPPY TO WORK ON SOMETHING THAT IS RIGHT AS A RESULT OF FINDINGS THAT I FIND.

>> Renee: A COUPLE THINGS MS. REEDER WE TALKED ABOUT THE JCPS AND THE SCHOOL FUNDING AND THE EQUITY GAP.

IF YOU WILL ANSWER THAT QUESTION FIRST AND I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS WITH A REPUBLICAN SUPER MAJORITY AND HOW YOU WOULD GET WORK DONE.

>> TO THE ISSUE OF THE DISPARITY BETWEEN WEALTHY AND POOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THAT'S A REALLY PROUD MOMENT IN KENTUCKY HISTORY WHEN KENTUCKY LED THE WAY IN 1989 IN FINDING THAT AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION WAS A FUNERAL RIGHT FOR EVERY STUDENT.

EVERYONE OF OUR 700,000 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT THAT WAS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT FOR THOSE CHILDREN.

AND MOREOVER YOU COULD NOT DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN WEALTHY AND POOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

WE KNOW THAT'S THE LAW.

THAT'S WHAT THE KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT TOLD US IN 1989.

HUGE EDUCATION REFORM OCCURRED IN THE YEARS AFTER THAT.

INCLUDING THE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING STATUTE THAT I WAS MENTIONING EARLIER IN WHICH THE LEGISLATURE IS REQUIRED TO FUND 100% OF TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND THE REASON WHY IT'S COMMON SENSE REASON, IF YOU CAN'T GET THE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, YOU CAN'T TEACH THEM ANYTHING.

ALL OF THE EDUCATION REFORM IN THE WORLD WON'T MATTER.

SO IN 1989, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LEGISLATION THAT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT.

AND THE FACT THAT WE'VE CHIPPED AWAY AT THAT OVER THE YEARS AS FAR AS PUTTING THE FUNDING IN IS YOU KNOW IT IS A REALLY 34 YEARS LATER TO SEE THAT WE HAVE STUDENTS WHO ARE RECEIVING EDUCATIONS THAT AREN'T BEING INVESTED IN.

ACTUALLY IN THE SAME IN EASTERN KENTUCKY WHERE BOTH OF US ARE FROM.

THOSE EDUCATIONS ARE NOT BEING INVESTED IN IN THE SAME AND NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW.

IN THE SAME WAY THAT WE SEE IN OTHER DISTRICTS.

IT'S A REALLY DISAPPOINTING MOMENT FOR US HERE IN KENTUCKY.

>> Renee: UNPACK FOR US IF YOU WERE ELECTED AND YOU WOULD HAVE TO WORK WITH OR GO AGAINST A REPUBLICAN DOMINATED LEGISLATURE HOW YOU WOULD DO THAT?

>> WHAT THE AUDITOR CAN DO IS SHINE A LIGHT ON PLACES WHERE THERE ISN'T COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW AND ON THIS ISSUE WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN IS INVESTIGATING DIGGING INTO ALL THOSE DETAILS AND THEN SHOWING THEM TO THE KENTUCKY TAXPAYERS SHOWING THEM IN EASTERN KENTUCKY WHETHER THAT MEANS HAVING TOWN HALL MEETINGS AND SHOWING THEM THE RESULTS THE AUDITOR CAME UP WITH, I WILL BE WILLING TO DO THAT.

HELPING THE PEOPLE THAT IS WHAT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE IS FOR SO THE PEOPLE FEEL AND SEE INDEPENDENCE AND INC. PARISHALITY AND I WOULD -- IMPARTIALITY AND I WOULD PRESENT THOSE FINDINGS TO THE PEOPLE.

THE AUDITOR IS THE INVESTIGATOR NOT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

HOWEVER, I WOULD MAKE A REFERRAL TO AN ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO COULD SUBSEQUENTLY FOLLOW-UP ON THAT.

I WOULD COULD SEND MY -- SEND MY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE.

I CERTAINLY HAVE A PRETTY FIRM BACKBONE AND COULD MAKE THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS KNOWN AND WOULD ALSO, OF COURSE, BE WILLING TO COOPERATE TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE WAS A WILLINGNESS TO COOPERATE.

>> Renee: TREASURER BALL MENTIONED DURING HER TIME IN OFFICE SHE WORKED ON FINANCIAL LITERACY IN EDUCATION SPACE AND HASN'T MENTIONED ABOUT WORKING ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS WHAT.

WOULD BE AN INITIATIVE THAT YOU WOULD BRING FORTH OUTSIDE OF THE TRADITIONAL THINKING AND BOUNDARIES WE HAVE FOR STATE AUDITOR?

>> WELL, I THINK WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE EDUCATION FUNDING, I THINK THAT'S ONE AREA THAT I WOULD PLACE A STRONG EMPHASIS ON.

IT'S CLEAR THAT PUBLIC EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE GIVING KIDS A CHANCE TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO SUCCESS.

AND SO I WOULD WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED WITH SCHOOLS WHETHER IT'S THROUGH BEING ABLE TO TEACH, BEING ABLE TO MENTOR, I ALWAYS LOVE THOSE SORTS OF OPPORTUNITIES.

ANOTHER ISSUE THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT I MENTIONED EARLIER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

THAT'S AN ISSUE THAT WE STRUGGLE IN KENTUCKY WITH ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND HAVING A HIGH RATE OF THOSE WITH CHILDREN WHICH OF COURSE IMPEDES LEARNING AND GROWTH THROUGHOUT THEIR CHILDHOODS TO ADULTHOOD.

REALLY BEING ABLE TO FOCUS ON THOSE SORTS OF ISSUES AND PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, ALL ISSUES INVOLVING KIDS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME.

BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT'S OUR FUTURE I KNOW THAT.

>> Renee: MS. BALL I WILL ALLOW YOU TO GIVE A FINAL PITCH TO THE VIEWERS WITH US TONIGHT AND KENTUCKY VOTERS WHO WONDER WHAT THE STATE AUDITOR DOES AND HOW YOU WOULD FUNCTION IN THAT OFFICE AND HELP THEM UNDERSTAND BETTER.

>> LIKE I SAID WHEN WE STARTED OFF IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I WILL BE LIKE AS AUDITOR LOOK HOW HIM'S AS TREASURER.

MAKE SURE THAT THE BANK ACCOUNT IS PROTECTED.

AS ATTORNEY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I PAY ATTENTION TO WHATEVER IS PAID IS LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL AND CORRECT.

THE AUDITOR IS THE WATCHDOG ON THE BACK END WHEN SOMETHING IS PAID THE MONEY IS USED CORRECTLY, PROCESSES ARE CORRECT AND IF NOT THERE IS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THAT.

I'VE BEEN YOUR TREASURER FOR EIGHT YEARS AND IT IS A AN HONOR TO SERVE IN THAT ROLE.

THERE'S AUDITOR AND MORE TOOLS AVAILABLE AND MORE INVESTIGATIVE OPPORTUNITIES SO I'M EXCITED ABOUT IT.

I LOVE THIS KIND OF WORK.

I WAS A PROSECUTOR FOR FOUR YEARS.

I LOVE TO INVESTIGATE AND MAKE SURE THE RIGHT THING WAS BEING DONE.

I THINK TRANSPARENCY IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THIS.

I AM A COMMITTED PERSON OF TRANSPARENCY.

I LAUNCHED THE TRANSPARENCY WEBSITE AS TREASURER.

>> Renee: AND YOU WOULD DO THE SAME AS AUDITOR?

>> YES.

THERE'S MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ALLOW INFORMATION TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

I WAS ABLE TO DO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE I WANT TO GET DEEPER AND PROVIDE MORE COUNTY AND CITY INFORMATION AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE IS WELL PLACED TO DO THAT I WOULD LIKE TO TACKLE AND I THINK IS AUDITOR'S OFFICE IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO EXPAND THAT.

>> Renee: FINAL WORD MS. REEDER.

>> AS AN INITIAL POINT I THINK IT'S HARD FOR MS. BALL TO SUPPORT CLAIM FOR TRANSPARENCY WHEN HER OWN ATTORNEY GENERAL CAME OUT AND OVERTURNED A COUPLE OF OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS THAT SHE DENIED IN HER TIME AS TREASURER.

TRANSPARENCY IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE.

AND THAT'S HOW OUR TAXPAYERS HAVE FAITH IN THE SYSTEM.

CANDIDLY, FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF WHAT MY PITCH IS, I'M JUST THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB.

SINCE I WAS 18 YEARS OLD, I'VE SUCCEEDED OVER AND OVER IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTS.

LEAVE AGO LOAN TO ATTEND YALE.

STUDYING PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW.

AND THEN BUILDING A CAREER WHERE I WAS NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 10 TAX LAWYERS IN THE COUNTRY.

AND LARGE CORPORATIONS SOUGHT ME OUT FOR MY ADVICE.

I'M SMART.

I'M VERY HARD-WORKING.

I'M INDEPENDENT.

WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTIC FOR THE AUDITOR.

AND I CARE DEEPLY ABOUT KENTUCKY AND ALL KENTUCKIANS.

AND I WOULD PUT ALL OF THAT TO WORK IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND AS SUCH WOULD BE HONORED TO HAVE YOUR SUPPORT.

>> Renee: THANK YOU MS. REEDER, THANK YOU MS. BALL WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE THIS EVENING.

WE HOPE YOU WILL STAY WITH US.

YOU WILL HEAR FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR STATE TREASURER.

STAY WITH US.

WELCOME BACK TO KENTUCKY TONIGHT.

WE CONTINUE WITH THE CANDIDATES FOR STATE TREASURER.

THEY ARE: MICHAEL BOWMAN, THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.

AND MARK METCALF, THE REPUBLICAN.

WE STILL WANT YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

SO SEND THOSE BY X — FORMERLY TWITTER -- AT K-Y TONIGHT K-E-T.

SEND AN EMAIL TO K-Y TONIGHT AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G. OR USE THE WEB FORM AT K-E-T DOT O-R-G SLASH K-Y TONIGHT.

OR YOU CAN CALL 1-800-494-7605.

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS.

WE APPRECIATE YOU GENTLEMEN BEING HERE THIS EVENING.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> Renee: YES, THANK YOU.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE C.F.O.

AS IT'S REFERRED TO THE BOOKKEEPING TRACKING ALL FUNDS AND REVENUE.

WE'LL START WITH Mr.

BOWMAN TO GIVE AN INTRODUCTION AND TELL US WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO ARE THIS POSITION?

>> THANK YOU RENEE I APPRECIATE IT.

FIRST I AM A THIRD GENERATION KENTUCKIAN I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN LOUISVILLE FOR THE BETTER PART OF A DECADE SPENT TIME AS A LEGISLATIVE ASSISTTANT TO THE LOUISVILLE METRO COUNCIL.

LEFT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND BECAME A BANK OFFICER.

WHEN GOVERNOR BESHEAR WAS ELECTED HE ASKED ME TO JOIN HIS ADMINISTRATION.

I WORKED WITH THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN HER OFFICE AS WELL AS IN THE EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET OVERSEEING A VARIETY OF FEDERAL GRANTS STATE APPROPRIATED GRANTS AND WORK DEVELOPMENT PRONGS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

>> .

>> Renee: THANK YOU.

Mr. METCALF A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU?

>> I AM A NATIVE OF GARRET COUNTY.

ONE OF FIVE CHILDREN WE WERE ALL PUBLIC EDUCATION RAISED.

AM A GRADUATE OF THE U.K. AND THE U.K. LAW SCHOOL AND CAREER PROSECUTOR AND SERVED AS A JUDGE ON THE COURT IN MIAMI.

I AM A VETERAN OF IRAQ AND SERVED WITH THE 149TH MANEUVER ENHANCEMENT BRIGADE WHEN WE CLOSED OPERATIONS IN IRAQ IN 2011.

>> Renee: TELL US WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB?

>> WELL, THANKS, RENEE IT IS A GREAT QUESTION.

KENTUCKY SPENDS TOO MUCH, IT TAXES TOO MUCH IT BORROWS TOO MUCH.

AND IT SAVES TOO LITTLE.

WE NEED TO BE LOOKING OUT FOR THE TAXPAYERS OF THE STATE.

AND HOLDING KENTUCKY ACCOUNTABLE ON THE SPENDING SIDE OF THE LEDGER SO WE SPEND OUR MONEY WISELY AND WE LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE MONEY.

NOT JUST SPEND MONEY BUT TO SAVE MONEY AND MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT AND MAKE KENTUCKY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE TAXPAYERS.

>> Renee: WHERE IS THERE TOO MUCH OR EXCESS SPENDING IN YOUR VIEW AND WHERE CAN MONEY BE SAVED?

>> WE CAN START SAVING MONEY BY PAYING DOWN OUR DEBTS.

KENTUCKY HAS $16 BILLION IN DEBT EACH TAXPAYER OWES EACH TAXPAYER OWES $20,000 IN TAXES.

JUST IN DEBT.

AND WHEN THEY GET UP IN THE MORNING AND GO TO BED AT NIGHT THEY HAVE A $20,000 DEBT THEY DIDN'T KNOW WE HAD.

WHEN WE START PAYING DOWN DEBTS WE SAVE INTEREST PAYMENTS AND SAVE IN THE FUTURE BY INVESTING IN HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION AND THE RIGHT PLACES WE WANT TO PUT MONEY.

>> Renee: WOULD YOU ADVOCATE FOR CURRENT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO BE SLICED IN ORDER TO GET TO THAT DEBT REDUCTION YOU DESIRE?

>> THE FIRST THING IS PAYING DOWN OUR DEFTS THAT WILL SAVE MORE -- >> Renee: HOW?

>> WE PAY DOWN OUR DEBTS PAY DOWN THE BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE STATE AND MOST OF KENTUCKY'S INDEBTEDNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH ONE THING AND THAT IS THE UNFUNDED LIABILITIES IN OUR PENSION FUNDS 25 BEEN 4 BILLION IN UNFUNDED OBLIGATIONS THAT HAPPENED OVER A PERIOD FROM 1994-2015.

WHEN 15 OUT OF THOSE 22 FISCAL YEARS WE WERE NOT PAYING WE WERE NOT MAKING OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PENSION FUNDS.

>> Renee: LAWMAKERS ARE DOING THAT OVER AND ABOVE NOW 10% GOES TOWARDS THE UNFUNDED LIABILITIES.

>> THAT IS RIGHT.

INSTEAD OF BEING HAVING A 30-YEAR PAY OUT IT LOOKS LIKE THE PAY OUT WILL BE MORE LIKE 24 YEARS TO REACH EVEN.

AND JUST REMEMBER, IN THE YEAR 2000 OUR PENSIONS WERE 125% FUNDED AT THAT TIME.

WE CAN GET BACK TO THAT PLACE.

AND THEN BE CREATING WEALTH FOR KENTUCKIANS AT THE SAME TIME.

>> Renee: Mr.

BOWMAN ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE LEVEL OF UNFUNDED LIABILITIES OR DEBT THAT THE STATE IS CARRYING WHEN IT HAS OBLIGATIONS THAT IT HAS NOT YET MET?

>> LIKE ANY DEBT WE NEED TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY.

BUT I THINK THAT WE CAN LOOK TO HOW FAMILIES MANAGE DEBT.

YOU HAVE TO FINANCE A HOUSE, YOU HAVE TO FINANCE A CAR.

WHEN WE MAKE EXPENDITURES AND INVESTMENTS IN KENTUCKY HAVING A HEALTHY DEBT THAT WE INSURE THAT WE PAYBACK AND SERVICE APPROPRIATELY, THAT WE MONITOR AND TAKE OUR OBLIGATIONS RESPONSIBLY, WE CAN ACTUALLY USE THAT AS A PIECE OF THAT FINANCIAL PUZZLE THAT WE GET TO MAKE AS LEADERS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.

>> Renee: YOU THINK THE CURRENT LEVEL OF THE DEBT THAT THE STATE HOLDS IS SUFFICIENT IS FINE?

>> CASE IN POINT WE'VE HAD DEBT UPGRADES IN TERMS OF THE RATE THE DEBT BOND RATING WE HAVE AS A COMMONWEALTH.

YOU HAVE UPGRADES YOU DON'T DO THAT IF WE ARE MANAGING THOSE THINGS POORLY.

WHAT MY OPPONENT SAID IS THE UNFUNDED LIABILITIES IN THE YEAR 2000 WE HAD 125% OF THOSE LIABILITIES COVERED.

WHAT HAPPENED?

UNFORTUNATELY, THE REPUBLICANS TOOK CONTROL OF THE SENATE AND IT TOOK THE PENSIONS AND HOW WE FUND THE PENSIONS ON A PATH THAT LED TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

AND I THINK THE ACTIONS WE SEE FROM THE LEGISLATURE ARE NOT GOING TO HELP REDUCING THE INCOME TAX, INCREASING SALES TAX ON SERVICES THAT WERE ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PEOPLE WHO CAN ILL AFFORD IT AND THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS THAT WILL PUT US INTO A DEEPER HOLE IF WE FOLLOW THAT.

INK PHENOMENA, THE RECENT INCOME TAX REDUCTION ATTEMPTED THERE WERE TRIGGERS THAT SALES TAX HAD TO GENERATE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF REVENUE AND IT FAILED.

AND THAT IS BECAUSE IT'S NOT ENOUGH OFFSET FOR US TO BE ABLE TO SETTLE ALL OF OUR DEBTS INSURE WE'RE PROVIDING THE SERVICES WE'RE SUPPOSED TO.

>> Renee: DO YOU AGREE WITH THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON THE PLAN?

>> I DON'T.

IF IT PUTS THE BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE LEAST WHO CAN AFFORD IT.

ESPECIALLY SALES TAXES.

>> Renee: YOUR OPINION ON THAT?

>> ABSOLUTELY IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

WHEN WE LOOK AT STATES THAT HAVE ATTEMPTED THIS SUCH AS AND ARE USING IT NOW TAKE TENNESSEE.

KENTUCKY WITH ITS [INAUDIBLE] EVERY STATE BORDERING KENTUCKY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ILLINOIS HAS A HIGHER FISCAL STABILITY RATING THAN KENTUCKY.

AND [AUDIO INTERRUPTION] WE NEED TO BE FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS THOSE POLICIES WHICH HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL.

IF WE DO THAT KENTUCKY WILL RISE AS TENNESSEE HAS RISEN.

>> Renee: Mr.

BOWMAN, GO AHEAD.

>> I WOULD ARGUE THAT KANSAS WOULD SHOW US THE OPPOSITE.

>> Renee: KANSAS DID NOT HAVE TRIGGERS IN PLACE.

>> AND THEY WENT THROUGH MEASURES THAT ALMOST BANKRUPTED THE STATE.

>> Renee: AND KENTUCKY DID NOT TAKE THAT PATH.

YOU SAY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR TREASURER BECAUSE IT'S TIME THE STATE HAD A TREASURER WHO DIDN'T JUST RUBBER STAMP A BAD POLICY BUT FOCUSES ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY.

WHERE DO YOU BELIEVE THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE TRANSPARENCY.

>> WE HAVE SEEN ACTIONS FROM THE LEGISLATURE WHERE THEY ARE REMOVING THE ABILITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE IN THE LIGHT OF DAY WHAT WORK THEY ARE DOING.

I THINK ANYTIME WE HAVE A SITUATION WHERE WE'RE PUTTING THINGS UNDER THE CLOAK OF DARKNESS I THINK WE NEED TO BE MORE UP FRONT ABOUT HOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT, WHERE OUR TAX DOLLARS ARE GOING AND HOW WE CAN GET THAT INFORMATION TO PEOPLE.

I WILL GIVE THE CURRENT TREASURER CREDIT SHE ESTABLISHED A WEBSITE BUT I THINK WE CAN DO BETTER.

WE CAN GET THE TREASURER'S OFFICE AND STATE GOVERNMENT OUT INTO THE PUBLIC IN WAYS TO INSURE THAT THEY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WHERE THEIR TAX DOLLARS ARE GOING AND WHAT THEY ARE BEING SPENT ON.

>> Renee: WHAT ARE THOSE WAYS?

>> EXPAND THE USE OF THE WEB PORTAL THAT WOULD HAVE THAT INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE FOR THEM.

MAKING SURE THAT WE WORK WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO INSURE THAT THEY ARE USING THOSE TOOLS AS WELL WITH WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

THOSE ARE THE EASY LOW HANGING FRUIT WAYS WE CAN DO THAT.

AND NOT TAKING STEPS AS THIS LEGISLATURE HAS DONE IN PUTTING AT TYPE OF INFORMATION FURTHER OUT OF REACH WITH THE RECENT LAWS THEY PASSED.

>> Renee: Mr. METCALF, WE KNOW THERE ARE MORE WAYS TO DEFRAUD THE GOVERNMENT THESE DAYS.

WHAT EXPERIENCE OR IDEAS DO YOU HAVE IN COMBATING CYBER FRAUD?

>> WELL, ONE OF MY EARLY POSITIONS AND REMAIN MY POSITION FROM DAY ONE WHEN I GOT INTO THIS RACE WAS TO TAKE THE EXAMPLE OF GARRET COUNTY.

RANSOMWARE GOT AHOLD OF OUR EMS RECORDS.

IT AFFECTED OUR BILLING CYCLE AND PROOF WE COULD OFFER IN COURT.

WE DIDN'T PAY THE RANSOMWARE FOLKS BUT WHAT WE DID BRING TO BEAR WAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE SECURITY SOFTWARE THAT WE COULD AFFORD.

AND I'VE STATED THIS IN FEBRUARY WHEN I APPEARED AT THE JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES CONFERENCE THAT I WANTED OUR CITIES AND OUR COUNTIES TO HAVE THE SAME SECURITY SOFTWARE AVAILABLE TO THEM THAT KENTUCKY HAS AVAILABLE TO ITS OWN ACCOUNTS.

AND I INTEND THAT AS AN INITIAL STEP TO MAKING SURE THAT OUR MONEY IS SAFE WHEREVER IT IS IN PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.

>> Renee: YOU MENTIONED EARLIER THAT KENTUCKY SPENDS TOO MUCH TAXES TOO MUCH AND SAVES TOO LITTLE AND YOU WOULD CUT YOUR STAFF BY 20% AT THE GARRET COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

WOULD YOU DO THAT IN THE TREASURER'S OFFICE?

DO YOU THINK THEY ARE APPROPRIATE.

>> THE FIRST THING WE DON'T DO IS HARM.

FIRST OF ALL WE LOOK TO SEE WHAT OUR STAFFING NEEDS ARE AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE STAFFING NEEDS ARE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE OFFICE.

IF WE HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE WORKING THERE, MORE THAN SAY WE CAN AFFORD AND MORE THAN IS EFFICIENT, THE USE OF PUBLIC MONIES, ONLY THEN DO WE START LOOKING AT CUTTING STAFF.

WE DON'T WANT TO CUT OUR NOSE TO SPITE OUR FACE.

WE WANT ENOUGH TROOPS TO BRING IN THE BATTLE FIRST.

>> Renee: FURTHER COMMENT ON THAT Mr.

BOWMAN?

>> I WILL GO BACK TO YOU BRINGING UP HIS COMMENT ABOUT WE SPEND TOO MUCH AND SAVE TOO LITTLE.

WE HAVE THE LARGEST RAINY DAY FUND IN KENTUCKY'S HISTORY AND THE LARGEST BUDGET SURPLUS IN KENTUCKY HISTORY AND HIS PARTY CONTROLS THE LEGISLATURE THOSE ARE POLICY DECISIONS THEY ARE MAKING AS IT IS AN EXECUTIVE BRANCH IMPLEMENTING THOSE THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

I DON'T KNOW I THINK THAT IS DISINGENUOUS TO SAY THAT WHEN THE DATA IN FRONT OF US TELLS US THAT IS NOT THE CASE.

AND WE CAN HAVE PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES ABOUT TAXING AND HOW IS BEST APPROPRIATE TO DO THAT.

CERTAINLY.

BUT I THINK WE NEED TO BE HONEST WITH THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY WHEN WE HAVE THE LARGEST RAINY DAY FUND AND THE LARGEST BUDGET SURPLUS WE ARE CLEARLY SAVING QUITE A BIT IN OUR COFFERS TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO, SERVICE DEBT, INCREASE TEACHER PAY, THINGS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE THAT WILL AFFECT LIVES TODAY.

>> Renee: I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WAYS TO INVESTOR USE OR PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THAT EXTRA MONEY ON HAND?

>> WELL, I THINK I WILL ABSOLUTELY MIRROR WHAT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE MAKING PROPER INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION AND INVESTING IN OUR EDUCATORS.

INSURING THEY HAVE THE RAISES THAT THEY DESERVE THAT WE ALL KNOW TEACHERS DON'T GET PAID ENOUGH TO DO THE JOB THEY ARE TASK FORCED TO DO.

AND I THINK THAT THAT IS A CRITICAL INVESTMENT WE NEED TO MAKE NOW AND INSURE.

IT'S NOT JUST EDUCATORS ANYONE WHO WORKS IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

THAT MEANS BUS DRIVERS THAT MEANS INSURING WE'RE PAYING THE PEOPLE WE'RE TRUSTING TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL ARE GETTING PAID APPROPRIATELY.

AND THAT IS GOING TO RESOLVE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE CAN INVEST THAT MONEY THERE AND REASON THE BENEFITS.

>> Renee: Mr. METCALF?

>> THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO BE DOING IS LOOKING HOW WE SAVE MONEY HOW WE CUT BUDGETS IN POSSIBLE.

WE'RE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE MORE MONEY THAT IS NEEDED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS IF WE ARE LOOKING AT THE BOTTOM LINES AT ALL TIMES.

I'M GLAD TO KNOW AND IT IS TRUE WE HAVE $6 BILLION IN OUR RAINY DAY ACCOUNT.

THAT CAME FROM REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN OR GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BEGINNING IN 2016.

IN 2016, THERE WERE 26,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF DEBT PER TAXPAYER.

SEVEN YEARS LATER IT'S $20,000 WORTH OF DEBT PER TAXPAYER UNDER REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP IN OUR GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

WHAT I INTEND TO DO IS IDENTIFY THOSE AREAS WORKING WITH THE OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS WITH OUR GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND STATE AUDITOR REGARDLESS OF PARTY AND LOOK AT THE ITEMS IN ORDER TO MAKE CERTAIN WE ARE DERIVING THE BEST DEAL FOR OUR TAXPAYERS AND THAT INCLUDES KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE ONLY TIME WE SHOULD BE GOING IN DEBT IS IN TIMES OF STATE EMERGENCY, SUCH AS FLOODS AND IN TIMES OF THE HIGH WINDS LIKE IN GRAY'S COUNTY.

BUT IN THOSE TIMES WE SPENT $200 BILLION FROM THE RAINY DAY FUND WE DIDN'T HAVE TO BORROW A DOLLAR.

THAT MEANS THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE'S EFFORTS TO SAVE MONEY HAVE PAID OFF.

>> Renee: SO THEY ARE ALREADY DOING THEIR JOB WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO, RIGHT?

>> THEY ARE SAVING AND NOT SPENDING.

>> AND LET'S KEEP ON DOING THAT.

BECAUSE WE'RE SAVING MONEY NOW DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN'T SAVE MORE AND DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN WORK ON BUDGETS AND DERIVE GREATER BENEFIT FOR TAXPAYERS BY SHOWING THEM WE CAN OPERATE GOVERNMENT IN THE SAME WAY THAT TAXPAYERS HAVE TO OPERATE THEIR HOMES AND BUSINESSES.

THE SAME KINDS OF DECISIONS THAT HAVE TO BE MADE IN OUR HOMES AND OUR BUSINESSES ARE THE SAME KINDS OF DECISIONS THAT OUR GOVERNOR AND OUR LEGISLATORS AND OUR CABINET OFFICERS NEED TO BE MAKING.

>> Renee: ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE COME OUT OF THIS RACE SINCE THE PRIMARY WAS THE CONVERSATION ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL GOVERNANCE ESG'S AND Mr. METCALF YOU WERE PART OF THE STUDIO DURING THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY AND YOU TALKED ABOUT STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE DIVESTING FROM COMPANIES THAT HAVE THESE INTERESTS WHERE IT'S AGAINST FOSSIL-FUELS OR MEASURES WHY IS THAT AN IMPORTANT POSITION FOR THE STATE TREASURER TO MAKE A STAND ON?

>> THE LAW STATE THE STATE TREASURER SHALL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THOSE CORPORATIONS WISHING TO INVEST KENTUCKY'S MONIES SUCH AS OUR PENSION FUNDS AND REPORTING ON WHETHER THESE SAME MONEY MANAGERS ARE DISCRIMINATING AGAINST FOSSIL-FUELS.

NOW, JUST LAST WEEK, BILL GATES FOUNDER OF MICROSOFT ANNOUNCED THAT THE IDEA THAT EARTH IS HEATING SO MUCH THAT WE NEED TO TURN OUR BACK ON FOSSIL-FUELS IS A NEGATIVE.

WHAT HE IS SAYING IS WHAT WE'VE SAID ALL ALONG, THAT FOSSIL-FUELS ARE AN EFFICIENT WAY TO CREATE ENERGY THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

WHAT HAPPENED IN WESTERN KENTUCKY, IN THIS PAST WINTER?

WE WILL ROLLING BLACKOUTS BECAUSE THEY WEREN'T USING FOSSIL-FUELS.

WHAT DID WE HAVE IN EASTERN KENTUCKY?

WE HAVE SIX BIG MINES GOING FULL TILT MINORS ARE MAKING MORE WHERE IS THE COAL GOING?

THE FOUNDRY COAL IS GOING TO CHINA.

THE THERMAL COAL WENT TO NORTH CAROLINA BECAUSE GREEN TECHNOLOGIES HAD FAILED TO DO WHAT THEY PROMISED TO DO AND THAT WAS DELIVER CONSISTENT ENERGY AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY HAS IN MANY RESPECTS BEEN A FAILURE.

WHAT I INTEND TO DO IS CHAMPION THE INTERESTS OF OUR MINERS AND OUR MINE OPERATORS TO SEE THAT WE'RE DELIVERING TO KENTUCKY, KENTUCKIANS THE MOST AFFORDABLE ENERGY AT THE MOST AFFORDABLE PRICES.

THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING.

>> Renee: AND THERE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE ALLEGIANCE TO COAL WHO RECOGNIZE THAT THE TIMES CALL FOR A WIDENING OF THAT PORTFOLIO TO INCLUDE NUCLEAR AND SOLAR AND OTHER WAYS OF PRODUCING ENERGY.

>> AND I AGREE WITH THAT.

WHAT WE NEED.

>> Renee: AND THEY ARE REPUBLICANS.

>> AND THEY ARE REPUBLICANS.

AND THEY ARE IN OUR LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW.

WE SHOULD BE LOOKING REPUBLICANS HAVE ADVOCATED A CAFETERIA PLAN WHEN IT COMES TO ENERGY.

SELECTING THOSE SOURCES WHICH ARE MOST BENEFICIAL AND LEAST INEXPENSIVE TO OUR HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERNERS.

AND COAL FITS INTO THAT MINE SET OR THAT POINT OF VIEW THAT SAYS WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT ALL FORMS OF ENERGY.

>> Renee: SO YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THIS Mr.

BOWMAN ON ESG'S AND THEIR ROLE AND AS STATE TREASURER WOULD YOU BE FOR OR AGAINST IT.

>> I THINK ESG HAS BEEN UNNECESSARILY SHADED WITH POLITICS.

YOU KNOW, AS YOU MENTIONED IN THE ONSET OF THE SHOW, THE TREASURER IS THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER EVER OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

AND THAT MEANS YOU HAVE A DID JUDICIARY RESPONSE ANY.

AS A FISH DUSH AREA YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE AND WHEN WE DON'T USE THINGS LIKE ESG WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IT'S MEANT TO INSURE WE'RE DOING BUSINESS WITH PEOPLE THAT DON'T POLLUTE OUR ENVIRONMENT THAT ARE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND HAVE LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE COMPANIES WILLING TO HOLD THEMSELVES ACCOUNTABLE AND PEOPLE AGAINST IT ARE TELLING YOU THEY ARE FOR POLLUTING AND HAVING C.E.O.S THAT BAIL ON THE COMPANY WITH A GOLDEN PARACHUTE.

AND IT IS A PIECE OF A GREATER PUZZLE IT IS NOT SIMPLY TO ENFORCE A GREEN ENERGY AGENDA.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE LOOK AT.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF FOSSIL-FUEL COMPANIES THAT DO THE RIGHT THINGS THAT WOULD QUALIFY HIGHLY ON ESG SCORES BECAUSE THEY MITIGATE THEIR IMPACTS.

THEY HAVE LEADERSHIP THAT IS HOLDING THEIR COMPANY ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THEY'RE DOING.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING ELSE ABOUT THIS WE DON'T THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU ARE AFY JUDICIARY, YOU LOOK AT ALL THE RISKS AND THAT IS SOMETHING WE WE NEED TO DO IS WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT IF A COMPANY'S DOING SOMETHING POORLY OR INVESTING MONEY IN THEM AND TRYING TO GET RETURNS OUT OF THIS COMPANY WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE'S LITIGATION BECAUSE OF A COAL MINE DISASTER THAT THEY CAUSED BECAUSE OF NOT DOING THE RIGHT THINGS?

AND WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK INTO THAT BEFORE.

WE INVESTED IN THAT COMPANY AND IT COSTS US MONEY IN THE END.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT IT HOLISTICALLY AND IT IS A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE AND THAT IS WHERE THE MISLEADING THING WITH ES GVMENT COMES OUT I SUPPORT THOSE PRINCIPLES.

>> UNCLAIMED PROPERTY MOST PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE STATE-WIDE LOST AND FOUND FROM PAYROLL CHECKS UNCLAIMED SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES, OLD LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES AND STOCKS.

YOU SAID Mr.

BOWMAN THERE IS A WAY TO STREAMLINE THIS PROCESS MAKE IT MORE ROBUST AND ACCESSIBLE FOR THOSE TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING ON THE STATE-WIDE LOST AND FOUND.

WHAT IS THAT?

AND HOW WOULD YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN?

>> THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT I HEAR FROM PEOPLE WITH REGARDS TO UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IS THE FACT IT'S AN OVERTIMELY CUMBERSOME PROCESS TO MAKE THE CLAIM AND RECEIVE THE PROPERTY THAT IS THEIRS.

I THINK WE HAVE TECHNOLOGY TODAY THAT CAN MAKE THIS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE INTUITIVE, STREAMLINE IT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TO MAKE IT LESS CUMBERSOME AND ALSO HELP THE TREASURER'S OFFICE BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN GETTING THOSE UNCLAIMED PROPERTIES BACK TO THOSE PEOPLE.

AND YOU KNOW, OVER THE LAST 16 YEARS, WE'VE SEEN THAT FUND BALLOON FROM 200 MILLION TO 800 MILLION AS OF THE STATE TREASURER'S MOST RECENT REPORT ON HER WEBSITE.

THAT TELLS US THERE THAT WE'RE WE MAYBE DOING RECORD AMOUNTS OF GETTING PROPERTY BACK THAT HAS BEEN CLAIMED BUT WE'RE ALSO BUILDING THAT FUND UP TO RECORD LEVELS TO BEGIN WITH.

WE REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT WHERE WE CAN MAKE THE INVESTMENTS AND INSURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY SIMILAR TO THE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY WE ARE GETTING THE INFORMATION OUT THERE ENGAGING WITH LOCAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY KNOWS.

>> Renee: DIGITIZE THE PROCESSES SEEMS LIKE THE WAY TO GO BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO LACK THE DIGITAL LITERACY TO NAVIGATE THOSE TOOLS TO DO THAT.

HOW WOULD YOU REACH THAT POPULATION?

>> THERE'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE PEOPLE WHO NEED MORE HANDS ON ASSISTANCE WITH THINGS WITH THE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

AND I THINK THE TECHNOLOGY IS THE FIRST STEP THAT CAN ALLEVIATE A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS AND THAT GIVE US US THE FLEXIBILITY AT THE OFFICE TO FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED MORE ASSISTANCE AND ENGAGING WITH LOCAL AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS TO PROVIDE PORTALS AND AVENUES THROUGH THEIR SYSTEMS AND SERVICES IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES THAT CAN ASSIST WITH THAT AS WELL.

>> Renee: Mr. METCALF?

>> THERE'S TAKE THE OHIO MODEL IT SAYS THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE APPLYING FOR FUNDS FROM THE UNCLAIMED MONIES WILL CLAIM $500 OR LESS.

THEY HAVE ALREADY SETUP A PROGRAM SO THAT YOU CAN APPLY IF YOU ARE GETTING MONEY FROM AN ESTATE LET'S SAY THAT YOU CAN APPLY FOR SUMS, $500 OR LESS.

AND GET THAT MONEY AND BYPASS THE PROBATE PROCESS ALTOGETHER.

WE NEED TO ADOPT THE SAME THING IN KENTUCKY.

AS FAR AS THE REST OF THIS IS CONCERNED, FROM AMOUNTS GREATER WE CAN ALWAYS USE OUR CIRCUIT CLERK'S OFFICES SO THEY CAN ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR UNCLAIMED FUNDS AND THEN PASS THOSE APPLICATIONS ON TO THE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

SO THAT IT'S JUST ONE STOP ALONG THE WAY AND WE HAVE WE CAN USE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICES FOR THE SAME PURPOSES.

AND THOSE APPLICATIONS ARE ACTUALLY MAILED DIRECTLY TO THE TREASURER'S OFFICE AND THERE IS NO REVIEW THAT TAKES PLACE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

IT ALL GOES TO THE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

THIS IS JUST ONE MORE WAY TO REACH OUT I'M THE ONLY CANDIDATE SERVED IN COUNTY OFFICE AND I'M A PRESENT COUNTY OFFICER RUNS FOR STATE OFFICE.

I UNDERSTAND HOW THESE THINGS CAN HAVE A LARGE IMPACT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL BUT WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO EDUCATE AND ACCEPT THESE TYPES OF APPLICATIONS SO THAT PEOPLE CAN GET THEIR MONIES WORTH FROM THE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

>> Renee: AND PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATION TO HELP THE COUNTY OFFICES WORK IN THAT CAPACITY?

>> NO, MA'AM.

TAKE THE APPLICATIONS AND SEND THEM ON TO THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE.

WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT CREATING A NEW DUTY.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ACCEPTING AN APPLICATION AND MAIL TO GO WHICH IS A LARGE PART OF WHAT COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICES DO AND CIRCUIT CLERK'S OFFICES DO ON A DAILY BASIS.

THEY DIGITIZE ALL THE RECORDS SO DO WE.

>> Renee: IN THE FINAL THREE MINUTES WE HAVE REMAINING LET ME ASK YOU THE TREASURER LAUNCHED FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ACCOUNTS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DISABILITIES, WHAT WOULD BE THE BOLD IDEA THAT WOULD YOU BRING TO THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE Mr. METCALF?

>> THANK YOU, GREAT QUESTION.

FIRST OF ALL, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS EDUCATE OUR KIDS.

THAT IS NUMBER ONE.

LET'S THINK ABOUT HOW WE DO THAT.

I FAVOR NOT JUST ONE BLOCK OF INSTRUCTION IN YOUR SENIOR YEAR TO LEARN ABOUT HOW AMERICA GOT AS GREAT AS IT DID THROUGH THE FISCAL STRENGTH AND ITS ECONOMIC DIE UNANIMOUSISM I FAVOR TEACHING THE COURSES AS PART OF LARGER INSTRUCTION BEGINNING IN THE GRADE AND IF WE DO THAT WE WILL BE PREPARED TO HAVE THE CHILDREN LEARNING LESSONS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

WE CAN START TEACHING THE TYPES OF THINGS IN HIGH SCHOOL SUCH AS CARPENTRY, ELECTRICITY SO THAT WHEN NOT JUST THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS BUT RIGHT IN OUR CLASSROOMS IN HIGH SCHOOLS SO THAT WHEN A STUDENT GRADUATES THEY ARE READY TO GO TO WORK.

THEY ARE AN APRESIDENCIES AND THEY CAN START DOING THE WORK THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO MAKE 40-60,000 A YEAR.

WE'RE MISSING OUT ON THAT OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW.

AND I FAVOR PROGRAMS THAT WILL ACCELERATE THESE YOUNG PEOPLE JOINING THE WORKFORCE.

>> Renee: Mr.

BOWMAN YOUR IDEA?

>> FIRST OFF, I WOULD BE THE FIRST TREASURER IN NEARLY 40 YEARS ELECTED THAT HAS ANY TYPE OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OR FORMAL EDUCATION IN FINANCE AND I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT.

BECAUSE THAT GIVES ME THE PERSPECTIVE NOT ONLY FROM A PRIVATE SECTOR POINT OF VIEW, BUT FROM A PUBLIC SECTOR HAVING WORKED IN LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS TO BE ABLE TO PUT THOSE TOGETHER TO BE EFFECTIVE IN THE OFFICE.

I CERTAINLY AGREE EDUCATION IS CRITICAL AND PARAMOUNT BUT THE WAY THE PROGRAM IS SETUP TODAY IT DOES NOT PUSH THE LIMITS OF WHAT WE CAN DO TO INSURE FINANCIAL LITERACY AT ALL LEVELS FROM K-12 ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

ESTABLISHING A CONSISTENT CURRICULUM IN KENTUCKY WILL BE A CRITICAL PIECE OF THAT.

AND I THINK FOR ME IS EXPANDING THIS OFFICE'S INFLUENCE PARTNERING WITH THE GOVERNOR AND TO BE ABLE TO INSURE THAT WE'RE BUILDING OUR ECONOMY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES WE'VE SEEN IN GOVERNOR BESHEAR'S LEADERSHIP.

AND I THINK THAT IS WHERE I WOULD BE UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO PUSH THOSE THROUGH AND INSURE WE'RE DOING THE RIGHT THINGS FOR THE PEOPLE OF KENTUCKY.

>> Renee: WE THANK YOU BOTH FOR BEING HERE AND ENLIGHTENING THE VOTERS OF KENTUCKY.

NEXT MONDAY, CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY OF STATE AND COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.

YOU’LL SEE THE CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR ON OCTOBER 23RD.

BE SURE TO JOIN US EACH WEEKNIGHT AT 6:30 EASTERN, 5:30 CENTRAL FOR ‘KENTUCKY EDITION.’ AND JOIN BILL BRYANT AND A TEAM OF WORKING JOURNALISTS TO DISCUSS THE NEWS OF THE WEEK ON ‘COMMENT ON KENTUCKY,’ FRIDAY AT EIGHT EASTERN, SEVEN CENTRAL.

HAVE A GOOD WEEK.