LITTLE ROCK — On Tuesday, State Auditor Andrea Lea announced her intentions to seek re-election in 2018.
Lea cited her first term successes and desire to continue reforming her office in a conservative, business-friendly model.
“I’m excited and hopeful to continue serving the people of Arkansas,” said Lea. “Implementing conservative reforms and reducing government spending is not just a talking point.
“I have put the idea in practice and Arkansans are receiving a better bang for their buck because of it. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and look forward to finding more efficiencies while also providing superior service to Arkansans.”
Lea’s accomplishments include the following:
• Returned $35,316,296 to Arkansans via the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt. In 2016, 5000 more Arkansans claimed assets than in any administration before, while spending a fraction of the cost of advertising.
• Left an average of 8 full-time positions unfilled, approximately a 28% reduction in staff, saving $578,238 annually.
• Returned $33,638,851 to the General Revenue Fund.
• The Center for Digital Government awarded Lea’s office a prestigious Digital Government Achievement Award for the office’s use of technology to increase Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt claims by 354 percent.
Lea, the first Republican to serve as the state’s auditor, previously served in the House of Representatives as well as the Pope County Quorum Court and Russellville City Council.
Lea graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Administration and Management from Arkansas Tech at the age of 47 and continues to advocate for non-traditional students to return to school and complete a degree.
She is a proud daughter, wife, and mother to U.S. veterans. She and her husband Phillip have three grown children and three grandchildren.
