8/14/2019 Candidate Q&A: 2008 Island County auditor's race

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Some costly mistakes occurredn the preparation of the lastprimary voters guide. Whatwould you do to keep these kindsof things from happening in the

uture?

Results havent been postedonline in a timely fashion onelection night. What wouldyou do to expedite that situation?

I took immediate corrective action, implementingpolicy changes preventing future occurrences. Werequire final proof from publishers before printing. Mystaff and I are constantly evaluating ways of improvingsystems, being fiscally responsible and evaluating

cost-saving measures and options.

I prepare written reports for courts, bankthe IRS, and understand that proofreading iscal. An integral component of good manageincludes ensuring that the skills of the empmatch the assignment, and I will provide appro

supervision.

2008 results posted early. Feb. 19 and Aug. 19results posted online about 8:30 p.m. Auditors can-not tabulate election results until polls close at 8 p.m.Results must be tabulated, verified and submitted tothe secretary of state before we post.

When an announcement is given regardinposting of current results, it is imperative thaschedule be attained. Not only is this a custservice issue, but a key component of the ptrust.

Jim PalmerQUeSTiON Sheilah Crider

Island County Auditor

The previous auditor wasometimes criticized for spendingoo much time out of the office

at conferences. How important ist for you to serve in professionalassociations that would requireour absence from county

government?

Professional organizations have significant value toelected officials. Education and training are benefitsof membership. Costs are reduced for members. My

office staff is very capable in my absence, but I intendon being a working auditor in my office.

As auditor, I will attend conferences esto the function of the office. I do not anticipatnecessity to regularly attend professional as

tion conferences. My number-one professionority will be to the office of Island County audit

The state auditor haspushed the county to finalize acontract with the Island CountyFair Association regarding the fair.Many months have passed. Whatwould you do to expedite theituation?

The contract outlining the responsibilities must benegotiated between the board of county commission-ers and Island County Fair Board. The auditor cannotnegotiate this contract. I am prepared to participateand assist as needed to reach resolution of this issue.

Since I am not the current auditor, I am only of the situation through what has been presenthe media and do not know why this has not resolved. I will avoid delaying important issue

Why are you better than youropponent for the job?

Experience, experience, experience. I have actualhands-on, current experience as auditor. Experienceconducting elections, developing budgets, facilitatingdaily operations, conducting our department in anopen, transparent manner, being accessible. Reachingacross party lines, Ive established bipartisan coali-tions with fellow elected officials.

I am skilled in management, planning, custservice and financial statements, having obusinesses for 25 years, including the FreelanOak Harbor RadioShacks and currently as a fied business appraiser. I also teach these skillstime for Skagit Valley College.

QUESTIONSFOR THE CANDIDATES

SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD

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