Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois needs a new government watchdog – an auditor general. The Legislative Audit Commission is recommending the General Assembly confirm Chris Meister for a ten-year term auditing the activities of state agencies.

Meister, currently executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority, would succeed former State Rep. Frank Mautino, who did not seek a second term. Before joining the IFA, Meister was director of legislative affairs for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“We went through a number of candidates, went through their resumes. You look at it as a whole, not just as one part,” said State Rep. Bob Rita (pictured, right) (D-Blue Island) “When you look at Chris, his vast experience in state government is a really important part of understanding state government and understanding what various agencies potentially could do, which is an important part that stuck out with Chris.” Rita co-chairs the commission with State Sen. Chapin Rose (pictured, left) (R-Mahomet).

The audit commission’s vote was unanimous. Rita said Meister was one of five finalists for the job.