By Gary Pitts
Frankfort, KY – Candidates for Kentucky State Auditor face off during a Kentucky State Auditor debate this Monday, October 10. Democrat Adam Edelen and Republican John Kemper are both vying for term limited Crit Luallen's seat. They are to discuss a variety of topics including education and job creation. Edelen, who left his post as Governor Steve Beshear's Chief of Staff to run for the office, says he believes those two issues greatly affect one another.
"What we have to recognize is that there is a symbiotic relationship between education and job creation. Economic opportunity tends to flow to where the workforce is prepared for it. Connecting education to job creation really is the key to our economic future."
Edelen's opponent John Kemper says creating more efficient ways to budget school spending will help to reduce state debt, making room to invest in job creation.
"I know the way they build their budgets, its based on last year's spending. I think if we change that mentality, to the fact that if we're efficient with the dollars we're given, we're not going to penalize you for being efficient. Right now I think we do that. If you need more money next year, the only way to get it is to spend everything you've got this year."
KET's Bill Goodman moderates tonight's debate between Adam Edelen and John Kemper at 7:00 central time on "Kentucky Tonight."