"In two generations, the job of governing has become much more complex, and the oversight responsibilities in areas of finance have multiplied beyond imagination," Riccards told the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee.

"In this state and at this time, the basic issues we face are financial, and stronger accountability is needed," he said.

Riccards said the responsibilities of an elected comptroller should not be limited to investigating public contracts. The office should have the authority to investigate the uses and expenditures of public funds at any level, without dollar levels being set, including independent authorities and boards, he said.

The committee heard testimony from invited guests regarding SCR41, which calls for an amendment to the State Constitution to provide for an elected State Comptroller and to eliminate the Office of State Auditor.

The agenda also included testimony from representatives of the Office of the State Comptroller, which presently is an appointed position, as well as from the Office of the State Commission of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General regarding Governor Christie's proposal to consolidate the functions of these offices.

The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Located in Trenton, the institute has posted several hundred essays on its website at www.hallnj.org in an effort to generate debate and discussion and develop solutions to the problems confronting the state and its residents.