Kronick would publicize noncompliance; Ash favors executive and legislative pressure

A persistent theme at the Town Meeting TV forum was how the auditor should secure agency follow‑through on recommendations. Ivar Kronick said he would not let recurring findings "die on a PDF on the auditor's website," proposed tying findings to responsible managers and suggested publicizing noncompliance to create pressure to fix problems.

Tim Ash acknowledged most agencies respond professionally to audits but said when agencies decline to act the auditor should cultivate a proactive relationship with the governor and key legislators, and use legislative hearings and executive outreach to compel action. "A more proactive relationship directly with the governor and key legislators... is really critical," he said.

The candidates therefore offered different enforcement philosophies: Kronick prioritizes public naming and radical transparency; Ash favors political and legislative levers to obtain compliance. The forum produced no formal commitments from state leaders or agencies in response.