Rob Sand is the 33rd State Auditor of Iowa, known for his commitment to transparency, accessibility, and accountability in government. Elected in 2018, Sand previously served as Iowa’s Chief Public Corruption Prosecutor, where he led the investigation into the largest lottery rigging scheme in American history.
He emphasizes the importance of being accessible to constituents through initiatives like Transparency Tuesdays, a weekly Facebook Live series where he directly engages with the public. Sand’s approach challenges traditional political norms by promoting openness and demystifying government processes.
In this conversation, he also reflects on his career journey, discusses his book The Winning Ticket, and underscores the importance of clear communication and public trust in governance. At the core of his philosophy is a belief in working with anyone to do good and upholding integrity in public service.
Takeaways:
- Constituent Influence Challenges: As an elected official, Rob must influence everyday people to create meaningful impact. This is increasingly difficult due to rising partisanship and the weakening of traditional political coalitions.
- Government Transparency Education: Rob provides an open look into how state government works. He educates the public about his role as state auditor and broader government functions.
- Statewide In-Person Engagement: Rob connects with Iowans by visiting all 100 county seats. These face-to-face conversations build trust and allow him to hear concerns directly.
- Direct Social Media Use: Rob actively manages his own social media accounts. This personal touch enhances authenticity and keeps constituents informed and engaged.
- Weekly Facebook Live Updates: Every Tuesday evening, Rob hosts “Transparency Tuesdays” on Facebook Live. He highlights his recent work and answers questions from viewers.
- Authentic Public Presence: Unlike many public figures who fear live interactions, Rob embraces them. His unfiltered approach resonates with people who value honesty and accessibility.
- Breaking Down Barriers: Rob uses social media to bridge the gap between government and citizens. This invites Iowans into meaningful dialogue and helps build community.
- Sharing Innovative Practices: Rob identifies effective practices from across counties and shares them statewide. He values practical solutions over partisanship, ensuring good ideas reach everyone.
Quote of the Show:
- “It's important for people to have a sense of the ability to reach their government, to reach levers of whatever degree of power and to actually have an interaction there”
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