COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio’s new state auditor, Mary Taylor, Monday pledged to protect taxpayer dollars. She is uniquely qualified to make good on the pledge.

Taylor is the first certified public accountant to be elected Ohio auditor. At a brief swearing-in ceremony Monday, Taylor said qualifications and experience matter to Ohio voters.

A recent state audit report found the state could save $400 million in the Medicaid program by streamlining management practices. Taylor said implementing the report’s recommendations for cost savings would be among her top priorities.

Taylor said, “I am honored that Ohioans trust me to protect taxpayers from fraud, waste and abuse in government spending.”