Presidential retirement.

• Position: Finalentry - Jeannine English as president-elect of the Association of American Retired Persons - Interview

CaICPA member Jeannine English was recently announced as the AARP president-elect. This is was a result or her deciding to take her retirement to the next level ... and work with the AARP to improve California government. We asked English about that work, and what We future has in store For her.

How's retirement treating you?

The founder of AARP, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, refers to this time in your life as "retirements" and I think that kind of works for me, as well. It's a great opportunity to be involved with issues and activities that you believe can make a differences in the lives of others. In fact. I'm as busy now as I ever was. My son says. "You work full time for AARP but don't make any money. That's crazy !" I tell him, "it's not crazy when you what you're doing."

What sort of work did you do with our state government?

I had a long career in state government. Beginning as a financial auditor with the Department of Finance and concluding as the excessive director of the Little Hoover Commission a position I held for 10 years. The commission is an independent oversight agency. Created to review and evaluate state government programs and services, and to promote economy. Efficiency and improved services to the public. My accounting and auditing background was very instrumental in preparing me For that role.

What did representing the accounting profession entail?

After leaving state government I was a principle, and then a partner, in a lobbying firm that represented a multitude of different interests. During that period. I represented the accounting profession and lobbied for reforms that set up the pathways for licensure.

Is there a political role model in your life?

There have been a number or people that I've viewed as role models. Generally, they're not famous although I admire Eleanor Roosevelt but people who simply make a difference in the lives or others. There are many such individuals that I have met through AARP who have volunteered to improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us.

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You are all powerful. How would you improve California?

Technical and procedural innovations such as vote-by-mail, Election Day registration and universal registration should be developed to maximize voting participation and improve voting systems. I would ensure that government is transparent and accountable. with a greater reliance on public campaign financing to prevent the electoral process Irons being skewed toward...