Leader of state campaign watchdog agency resigning

  • By Jerry Cornfield
  • Wednesday, April 8, 2015 11:09am
  • Local News

Andrea McNamara Doyle, executive director of the state Public Disclosure Commission since August 2011, announced today she will step down at the end of May.

Doyle’s announcement comes as the agency appeals for funding in the next state budget to improve its ability to monitor spending by candidates, political committees and lobbyists.

In a statement, Doyle cited the importance of additional resources in helping the commission track the flow of funds into the political process as the public demands.

“I am proud of my efforts to guide the agency through a prolonged and difficult period of downsizing,” she said.

“Together with a strong, committed Commission and a small but dedicated staff, we have addressed myriad challenges posed by antiquated technology, continuous growth in campaign spending and the related increase in complaints about illegal campaign activity, repeated attacks on the fundamental principles underpinning our state’s award-winning disclosure system, and the understandable frustration of the voting public whose trust and confidence in the political process is being tested on many levels.

“As a result of our work over the past 3-1/2 years, the agency is now well positioned to make meaningful progress when additional resources become available to support the Commission’s urgent technology needs.”

The commission will hold a special meeting Thursday to begin the process of finding a successor.

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