It's something you almost never hear a candidate for elected office say - that the office he or she is running for should not be an elected position.

But, that's what William Morehouse, the Democrat party's endorsed candidate for Utica city comptroller is saying.

The comptroller's office is responsible for auditing and overseeing the city's finances, requires a certified financial professional.

Morehouse says an elected comptroller doesn't necessarily have that know-how, but is responsible for hiring a deputy comptroller to perform those duties.

''Quite frankly, I would like see the elected position of comptroller go away. Away about 75% of the municipalities now are going with a hired comptroller, where the parties get together and hire a qualified person. And, I really think that's the direction we have to look at at some point.

''But, as long as that is an elected position, you need a successful, professional businessman in place to run that office. I'll hold the people we have there to task...'' Morehouse said.

The interview this week from WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning begins with Morehouse's justification for challenging the petitions by some of the other candidates - Jim Zecca, who will face Morehouse in a Democratic Primary, and Rocco Garro, whose petitions were disqualified.

''When I go door to door to get signatures, I average about five an hour. You don't sign my sheet if you're not a registered Democrat. Then, I see these hap-hazard, ya know, a guy standing in front of a grocery store having everybody sign. I'm not looking to kick anybody off the ballot, but there [are] rules in place,'' Morehouse said.

Full interview from WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning:

More From WIBX 950