Eugene DePasquale Takes Oath as 51st Auditor General
Eugene DePasquale Takes Oath as 51st Auditor General
Harrisburg (Jan. 15, 2013) – Former York County Representative Eugene DePasquale became the commonwealth’s 51st Auditor General in a ceremony at noon today in the State Museum of Pennsylvania. His wife Tracey presented the certificate of election before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd administered the oath of office.
“Government services are not without cost, and without a doubt, there will always be a debate about appropriate tax rates and the amount of taxation,” DePasquale told the crowd of more than 500. “But, what is not up for debate is that the taxes government collects must be used as effectively as possible. That is why I pledge to you again today that I will be a tough, fair and independent Auditor General. This starts by making sure your tax dollars are invested wisely.
“My approach to audits will be to focus on making realistic recommendations and developing workable solutions to improve government operations.”
Speaking about the growth from the natural gas drilling industry in the Marcellus Shale region, DePasquale said: “Today it is clear, we must strive to grow our economy and protect our environment at the same time. That is why, one of my first official duties as auditor general will be to initiate a performance audit of the Department of Environmental Protection to make sure our constitutional right to pure water is not being compromised by natural gas drilling.”
He will formally announce the audit on Wednesday, his first full day as auditor general.
During his remarks, DePasquale outlined his vision for the Department of the Auditor General.
“As I traveled across this great state, I saw first-hand that government can, and does, make a difference in our lives when it operates as intended,” he said. “Whether it is ensuring that our water is safe to drink and our children are receiving a quality education that prepares them for the future. Or, ensuring older Pennsylvanians receive the services they need and that our state has a healthy business climate, as your Auditor General I will do everything in my power to restore your faith and confidence in government by holding agencies accountable on how they spend your tax dollars.
Following the ceremony, DePasquale and his family met with guests throughout the museum.
Before taking the oath as auditor general, DePasquale stepped down from his seat in the House of Representatives where he represented the 95thdistrict in York County. DePasquale is the first statewide elected official from York County since the 1950s.
During his six years in the House, he became known as a leading voice for government reform and accountability.He was the first legislator to post his expenses online, refused pay raises, returned unused expenses to thestate budget, and led efforts to end special privileges for legislators, like private car leases. In 2012, he won a six-year battle to pass a statewide ban on texting while driving. In 2008, hisAlternative Energy Investment Act became law and has since helped consumers save money, create jobs and lead to a more diversified and clean energy portfolio for the state.
Before being elected to theHouse of Representatives, DePasquale served as Governor Ed Rendell’s deputy secretary in the Department of Environmental Protection. He led the effort to recruit Gamesa, the world’s second largest wind company, to locateits headquarters and manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania.
DePasquale was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School where he was a member of the state championship Quad-A football team. He earned his undergraduate degree at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where he played baseball and football. He received a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and received his law degree from Widener University’s evening division.
He lives in York County with his wife of 14 years, Tracey, and his two children, Ben and Sarah. He is active in his church and in coaching youth baseball and basketball.
No government or taxpayer funds were used for DePasquale’s swearing-in ceremony or reception.
###
EDITOR’S NOTE: A PDF copy of DePasquale’s prepared remarks is attached. The auditor general’s website is at:www.PaAuditor.gov.
Return to search results