Chilliwack Mayor Sharon Gaetz said the province's new municipal auditor general is likely to find local governments to be more accountable than other levels.

Premier Christy Clark announced Wednesday that Basia Ruta, a former federal civil servant from Ontario, has been named to the newly created office of auditor general for local government (AGLG).

Gaetz, along with some other mayors and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), initially expressed concern about the process put in place that created the office and about whether it would simply be another layer of bureaucracy.

"The concern is that we haven't been told by the provincial government why they would put a municipal auditor general in place," Gaetz said more than a year ago.

This week Gaetz said she looked forward to seeing what Ruta would focus on. And both the mayor and UBCM were more positive about the new position.

"I'm sure she will bring some of her wisdom and experience to the table and we looking forward to forming a good relationship with her," Gaetz said Thursday.

The AGLG was an idea first floated by the BC Chamber of Commerce and championed by Clark.

"As we work to make life more affordable for B.C. families, we have to keep in mind there is only one taxpayer," Clark said in a press release. "At every level of government we need to find new and innovative ways to make sure British Columbians are getting the best value for their money."

The AGLG will make non-binding recommendations based on performance audits and publicize best practices adopted by local governments.

phenderson@chilliwacktimes.com