Ben Pettie has been an accountant for 36 years. he last ran for McLean County auditor in 2010. (Photo courtesy Ben Pettie)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - Ben Pettie is making his fourth attempt at the county auditor's seat.

The Green Party candidate most recently ran against incumbent Michelle Anderson in the 2010 general election.

Pettie, 56, has been an accountant in Bloomington for 36 years.

Pettie said he sees the role of auditor as more of a watchdog, that should play a more active role than current auditor Michelle Anderson in how the county should spend money.

"I believe (Anderson) been doing what she's been shown to do, the bookkeeping function of the auditor job, which is to pay the bills," Pettie said.

Pettie said Anderson hasn't taken initiative in cutting 'excessive costs.'

Pettie cited the proposed east-side highway as an example, not that he's against it, but that the county in his view hasn't justified its cost. He also made the proposed highway an issue during the 2010 campaign.

"I couldn't see who would be using the bypass," Pettie said.

Pettie said the county must manage its growth to minimize impact on taxpayers.

"It seems to me growth costs taxpayers money and developers don't pay full freight on development," Pettie said.

Pettie added that he could better aid the county in limiting its legal liability.

"I would like to think that early prevention, that early historical prevention is something that an auditor that has shown initiative could present to board members before the vote, either way on a transaction," Pettie said.

Anyone seeking more information about Pettie's campaign can email voteforpettie@gmail.com.

Pettie has been married to wife Debora for 32 years. They couple has six children. 

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.

You can view Michelle Anderson's candidate profile here.