Watson Coleman Welcomes New State Comptroller

WATSON COLEMAN WELCOMES NEW STATE COMPTROLLER;
SAYS BOXER 'PERFECT FIT' IN NEW OVERSIGHT POSITION

(TRENTON) - Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today welcomed the formal swearing in of State Comptroller Matthew Boxer, calling it the realization of a nearly 2-year-long effort to create an independent oversight agency to safeguard taxpayer dollars and combat waste, fraud, and mismanagement in government.

Watson Coleman gave her full support to State Comptroller Boxer, saying the former federal prosecutor is the perfect individual to get the new office up-and-running.

"In Matt Boxer, Governor Corzine found the independent-minded individual New Jersey needs to be the formidable check against corruption, favoritism, and fraud," said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).  "Now that the ceremonies are over, Comptroller Boxer can get to work directing a talented team of colleagues to ensure that tax dollars are prudently and efficiently spent and accounted for."

Watson Coleman was the lead sponsor of the March 2007 law creating the independent Office of State Comptroller to strengthen the state's oversight and accountability capabilities.

Comptroller Boxer was appointed to his cabinet-level position by Governor Corzine, with advice and consent of the Senate, to a six-year term. 

As comptroller, Mr. Boxer is empowered to perform regular fiscal audits of all state government agencies, independent state authorities, and local governments.  In addition, his office is authorized to audit and monitor the awarding and execution of public contracts and to develop and oversee corrective action plans for inefficient government agencies.

"New Jersey has needed a better system for scrutinizing governmental financial activities on a regular basis," Watson Coleman said.  "Today we have installed a powerful new weapon to ensure that not one taxpayer dollar falls between the cracks."

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