Spokane7
53°
October 27, 2010 in Opinion
Editorial: Let Dalton continue strong work as auditor
In his campaign for Spokane County auditor, Republican Leonard Christian has been loudly critical of incumbent Democrat Vicky Dalton’s oversight of elections.
That’s only one of the auditor’s four major responsibility areas, but Christian says he emphasizes it because so many voters tell him they’re concerned about the security of their ballots. And he warns that there is tremendous potential for fraud in that arena.
Christian’s view contrasts sharply with that of Nick Handy, state director of elections. And Handy works for one of Christian’s fellow Republicans, Secretary of State Sam Reed. Dalton’s office does such an exemplary job of managing elections, Handy says, that it serves as a resource for surrounding counties and a model for out-of-state visitors here to study sound election practices. Dalton’s own county elections supervisor, Mike McLaughlin, was honored as statewide elections employee of the year, and Dalton is president-elect of the state auditors’ association.
Yes, the Spokane County auditor’s first term (1999-2002) was marred by difficulties involving elections, but none involved fraud, and her performance has improved steadily – as Handy’s praise demonstrates. Most important, county voters have twice re-elected her.
The auditor is also responsible for vehicle registration, recording of legal documents and, notably, financial services. The office maintains hundreds of funds for the county and for many junior taxing districts that operate schools and provide fire, water, cemetery and other services.
That’s why Dalton’s status as a certified public accountant and her degrees in accounting and computer information management are so well suited to a job that involves safeguarding public funds. She was hired by the county in 1985 as an internal auditor, or “money hawk,” and quickly proved her worth by tightening up accounting procedures to track employees’ travel and absenteeism more accurately, among other reforms.
Christian is a Realtor and retired Air Force noncommissioned officer whose military duties included overseeing a variety of substantial equipment and operations involving millions of dollars. Since retiring he has taken an accounting class from Embry-Riddle University (through Whitworth University) and received an A. He’s an affable and earnest candidate, but his credentials don’t suit the position as well as Dalton’s.
On one issue he has a valid point, having criticized her practice of sending out official correspondence, including ballots, with her own name prominently displayed in the return address. She isn’t the only public official who does it, and the criticism has some merit, but it’s something that can be corrected.
Dalton is a proven auditor who has shepherded Spokane County through tremendous cultural and technological changes. She successfully met the challenges of an unprecedented mayoral recall election and the recounts demanded in the 6th Legislative District because of a 17-vote difference in a 2008 House race.
In a demanding office with multiple sets of responsibilities, voters should celebrate Dalton’s success and reward her with their ballots.
Trudy Rubin: Egyptians say no to Islamists 
Leonard_Christian on October 27 at 9:28 a.m.
Can you believe it…? A Republican did not get the endorsement of the Spokesman Review… I might really have a chance to win this race now… I do want to say thank you to Doug Floyd (editor) for taking his time to interview me and looking forward to working with the Spokesman to keep the people of Spokane informed on important issues in the Auditor’s Office.
WFaulkner on October 27 at 11:00 a.m.
This is big! Most voters use the S/R endorsements as a reverse indicator. The S/R always endorses mediocrity. Congratulations Leonard.
misjustice on October 27 at 11:10 a.m.
My vote goes to Dalton.
hawken on October 27 at 11:15 a.m.
My vote already went to Leonard Christian…
ZagChuck on October 27 at 11:23 a.m.
Congrats Leonard!
Keep up the good fight.
Leonard_Christian on October 27 at 11:51 a.m.
Quote for the day:
Hard work trumps experience, when experience fails to work hard.
hawken on October 27 at 12:20 p.m.
Here’s what we know….
Dalton is NOT a good manager…. example, most recently,,,, a security breach with our ballots!
Those whom MINIMIZE this security breach are being foolish!
Look at Chicago, Nevada with Harry Reid just recently,,,, Seattle?
I could care less that Dalton has a CPA!
Her CPA certainly didn’t help her with her lack of management skills? Did it?
“Yes, the Spokane County auditor’s first term (1999-2002) was marred by difficulties involving elections, but none involved fraud, and her performance has improved steadily …” Says the SR….
Are you kidding me!!! “Improved steadily”???
Did we not just read, yesterday? of a “security breach” with our ballots?? This is not “improved steadily”!
There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for a security breach with our ballots! NONE!
Maybe we need to have Venezuela help monitor our voting process!! Could THEY not be helpful with ballot security?
Look at Tucker… our county prosecutor…. most would agree that he has more “experience” in “prosecuting” than Malone…. However, Tucker is a poor manager and communicator with the public. By the way, me,,, the staunch conservative,,, voted for Malone…. and encourage other staunch conservatives like me,,,, to do the same.
Christian’s first and foremost responsibility is to be a “manager”,,, Not crunching the numbers like a CPA sitting somewhere in a cubicle!
Vote Christian…. if he demonstrates to be equal to or less of a manager than Dalton…. We’ll vote him out next time.
Management is everything in this position!
Dalton has demonstrated… she is NOT a manager! She has also demonstrated, that she has NOT improved steadily…
with her misfeasance…. malfeasance or nonfeasance,,, as the manager, who is ultimately responsible for the security of our ballots!
A vote for Dalton…. again…. is a vote for mismanagement of our ballots,,,, again!
If she is elected again, I will be the first to say “I TOLD YOU SO!
What on earth happened to holding our elected officials accountable when they have demonstrated failure?
Vote Christian.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 27 at 12:22 p.m.
What Planet are you folks from… I’ve spent weeks as an observer in the Current Auditor’s offce… and there is NO way anyone can cook the ballots… with the exception of some abusive partner/spouse making a person vote and sign their ballot in their own home for submission…and in a personal conversation with Ms Dalton i’ve been reassured that even if that happens and the person comes to the Auditor/elections office and tells their story they will be allowed to vote their own voice.
Thank you to the Review for the endorsement of a very very fine civil servant… and if the elections process as i have personally observed it for many many hours were the norm for the nation we all could rest easy…….
Mr Christian… you are way off base…. how much time have you actually spent observing in these offices during an election cycle? The staff and assistants are beyond any reproach from any person I’ve talked to. John Olsen /Gus
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 27 at 12:23 p.m.
and oh yes I CAN believe that the Review is finally after the 64 th year of my 66 year life NOT giving blanket endorsements for you Republicans…. bout time…:)) Gus
johnclarke on October 27 at 12:26 p.m.
What is this “observer” thing you speak of Gus? Do you mean you got out from behind your keyboard and looked with your own eyes? Hmmm. Radical. :)
hawken on October 27 at 12:28 p.m.
Hey ChefGus….
go cook a pancake and tell everyone else it’s actually scrambled eggs!
Some of the gullible will actually believe they are eating scrambled eggs! Of course,,, the liberal left will agree with you that they are in fact… “scrambled eggs.”
Problem you have is that too many know the difference between pancakes and scrambled eggs!
You are nothing more than a liberal left, defend the Dems, no matter what!
You lack credibility in dismissing Dalton’s mismanagement of the Auditor’s office… Indisputable evidence which the SR acknowledges!
VOTE CHRISTIAN… fire the mismanagement!
hawken on October 27 at 12:44 p.m.
Gus…
me thinks, that you are desperately…. starved for approval!
No one has given you a pat on the head for being an “observer”…!
And since you WERE…. An OBSERVER!!
How foolish of the rest of us to question your expertise?
I mean…. as an “observer”…. and “cooking pancakes”, as well,,, of course…
misjustice on October 27 at 12:45 p.m.
I worked for the Board of Elections, back when we actually went to our precincts to vote, as a Poll Book Judge. Ms. Dalton was our Auditor then, as she is now. From my working experience of her leadership, I’d have to say that Dalton runs a tight ship. I have confidence in her ablities and glady give her my vote.
Additionally, I find it unseemly for Mr. Christian to post to this thread. (if, in fact, the poster under that name is truly the candidate Christian)
VOTE DALTON!
; )
hawken on October 27 at 12:49 p.m.
Hey Chef….
what’d I tell ya…..
Misjudgment… aka “sewer mouth”…. self proclaimed, card carrying member of the ACLU…. liberal left….. etc…
She has confirmed!!
Your pancakes are in fact scrambled eggs!”
She too has tasted them!
misjustice on October 27 at 12:50 p.m.
How easy it is for sqawky to attack someone he knows nothing about.
Chef Gus was an officer in the Armed Forces ( forgive me, I forget which branch) and he currently does a lot of volunteer work with Veterans and other underserved members of our community. He feeds the poor and hungry in our midst. And he also finds time to work on political campaigns and to facilitate the political process.
sqawky, you’re not fit to spit shine the Chef’s boots.
hawken on October 27 at 12:54 p.m.
Misjudgment…. aka “sewer mouth”…..
You were honorably discharged from the service, per your assertion, which I have no reason to doubt…. were you not?
So,,,, what are you suggesting???
Just because someone has served in the military…. a card carrying, member of the liberal left, ACLU,,, gloves OFF???
I don’t think you want to go down this road with me….
misjustice on October 27 at 12:56 p.m.
If you, too, want to be an Election Observer, contact the Board of Elections.
Of course now, without actual precincts to observe, it’s not as interesting as it used to be; but you can still participate, I’m just not sure of the procedure or the sites. Call the Board of Elections, they’ll explain it fully.
VOTE DALTON!
; )
hawken on October 27 at 1:03 p.m.
Misjudgment aka “sewer mouth”
Want to talk about Timothy McVeigh….. honorably discharged! Gloves off on his as well? Simply because he “served” in the military?
Or, how about this….
Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, a 39-year-old Muslim and Arlington, Va. born psychiatrist, shot and killed 13 people (service men and women) at Fort Hood, Texas, …
Gloves off here as well?
Military service does NOT equate to a lack of stupidity, criminality, nor terrorism…
Having pointed this out to you…. We currently have the best military in the history of the USA, with the exception of the likes of above.
Never has our men and women in military service been more educated and more professional,,,, with the exception of the likes of the above…
Your “gloves off” approach, is only another example of your shallow thinking…. but, you are a liberal…
hawken on October 27 at 1:10 p.m.
Good thing for Chef Gus…
that his is a “liberal”, former military officer!
Otherwise, Misjudgment, would be spewing her vile against him!
executor485 on October 27 at 1:21 p.m.
[QUOTE=hawken]Christian’s first and foremost responsibility is to be a “manager”, Not crunching the numbers like a CPA sitting somewhere in a cubicle![/QUOTE]
Well said.
Just because someone has a piece of paper that says *insert qualification here*, doesnt mean that they can actually perform the duties required of that position. Just look at the economy right now, people in high places that lack management abilities, but by golly, they have a piece of paper that says they’re so awesome.
Its not about the degree on the wall behind the person, its the person sitting in the chair making the decisions. Its about what they have done and what we believe they are going to do.
Its been said before, if Christian doesn’t meet or exceed our expectations, we have the option to vote him out later. But if we continue to keep Dalton in office, we’ll never know how good or bad things can really get.
One of the big things to take from this article is that Christian is a retired member of the USAF. That means that he was able to serve our country, and did it honorably. The core values of the USAF are Integrity, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. Christian demonstrates that he has these qualities and, as a public servant, will continue to keep the highest of standards.
My vote goes for Christian.
hawken on October 27 at 2:40 p.m.
Note to Leonard Christian: (no response requested)
Whether or not you win this election remains to be seen.
Here’s what we know and that which I have pointed out above with factual cites;
1- Dalton is a “failed manager” of the Auditors Office… demonstrably and as acknowledged by the SR.
2- There are allot of people like ChefGus and Misjustice…. selling” pancakes” as ‘scrambled eggs…’ including the SR in my opinion. (see my 12:20 and 12:28 pm posting above).
That so many, can SO minimize, the failed security of our ballots,,,, is beyond my comprehension! Notwithstanding, the other mismanagement of Dalton.
The SR just published an article, yesterday as I recall… the “Breach of Security” of our ballots!
Unfortunately, there many buying “pancakes” as “scrambled eggs”… concerning Dalton’s demonstrated, mismanagement. (see my 12:20 and 12:28 pm posting above).
If you are elected, I am banking, with my vote, that you will be a “manager”…. not a CPA, sitting in a small cubicle.
if you don’t persuade otherwise, those buying “pancakes” as “scrambled eggs”…. you will loose the race.
However, we all recognize that the liberal left…. WILL affirm one another’s assertion…. that “pancakes” are indeed “scrambled eggs!”
I believe there are enough that do recognize the difference between “pancakes” and “scrambled eggs” to get you elected.
I hope that I am not wrong.
VOTE CHRISTIAN for Auditor
Leonard_Christian on October 27 at 3:05 p.m.
When did it become against the LIBERAL LAW to post a comment to an article the Spokesman wrote about you?
There goes half of the democrats postings…
And YES it really is Leonard Christian (Republican Candidate for Spokane County AUDITOR)… Notice that I do not mind using my own name and standing behind what I post.
I am really enjoying the well thought out comments and sparks.
Leonard_Christian on October 27 at 3:07 p.m.
O By the way:
Vote Leonard Christian for Auditor…
And I did not use your tax dollars to pay for this ad.
WFaulkner on October 27 at 3:30 p.m.
Hah! I’d trust Vicky a lot more than Secretary of State Sam Reed. I will still vote for Mr. Christian though. He will bring unquestionable integrity to the position.
Citizen on October 27 at 8:57 p.m.
Dalton has had an excellent record of integrity.
Christian has been trying to make mud mountains out of molehills.
I can easily judge the candidates’ records from how they conduct their campaigns.
I am voting for Dalton.
Dazzeetrader11 on October 27 at 8:58 p.m.
Dems got plenty of SR’s endorsements. Marr, Dalton, Murray….Dalton’s goofy. The other two are corrupt in my most humble opinion.. next up: Daisy’s pick for Co Commissioner. Guess who?
executor485 on October 28 at 6:50 a.m.
So, J Cotton, let me get this straight. This mountain out of a molehill scenario.
Say you have a car, been driving it for 60,000 miles and whenever you start to brake you hear squealing. Sure, right now its a minor problem, its that molehill you mention, your brakes still work fine, the car stops the same as it always has; However, you continue driving it another 10,000 miles. Now the squealing has turned to a grinding, braking ability has reduced, your still stopping, but it just takes a little longer. It’s still ignored and you drive it for another 10,000 miles, or maybe even more… Cant predict every scenario right? At this point the brakes are shot, you find yourself in an emergency situation where you have to brake fast, but your brakes just don’t work. You hit the object you were attempting to avoid and cause irreparable damage, and not just to your car, but possibly even injuring yourself and others.
Or even still, you avoid the situation but decide its time to get the problem fixed. Now that you have waited until the brakes were grinding into the rotors, guaranteed you’ll need to pay a LOT more money getting the problem fixed. Possible damage to the entire brake system that costs thousands of dollars.
Take the same scenario starting at 60,000 miles and your brakes are starting to squeal. But instead of continuing to drive, you actually replace the pads that have worn down. Pads are much cheaper than rotors and the brake system, so you only spent about $100 instead of thousands, or worse. You continue to drive another 60,000 problem and squeal free miles, spent MUCH less money, and ensured your own safety as well as the safety of others on the road.
This all makes perfect sense, but we still see countless people on the road that are at risk of harming themselves and others because they won’t address their brake problem.
But this is a car we’re talking about, how does this relate to our situation? There are a lot of problems that have been brought up by Christian, some that are just squealing brakes, some that are brakes that are completely shot and need urgent repair. It’s obvious that Christian wants to fix these issues before they get out of hand and cause serious damage. It’s also obvious that he is addressing issues that may have not caused a problem right this second, but if they are allowed to continue on their path, will hurt others and cost us, the taxpayers, even more money to fix later on.
You have the chance to make a difference right now, you have an opportunity to fix the squealing and shot brakes. That chance is Christian!
Citizen on October 28 at 9:27 a.m.
‘ceptin’ you got it backwards. The auditor problems were at the beginnings of Dalton’s office and now have been reduced to a nearly inaudible squeak, if that.
I see a whole lotta mud being slung at an admirable official widely known throughout Washington and beyond as running a high integrity, tight ship.
Christian’s specious charges are nothing more than bull droppings.
The community sees that. Dalton has enormous support without having to spend lavishly for election. I don’t think I have seen a single VICKY DALTON sign. She has earned our respect the old fashioned way. She earned it.
I will VOTE FOR VICKY DALTON.
hegaveit on October 28 at 9:59 a.m.
It is a sad day when fighting for what is right or fair is challenged as whinning, I am tired of political correctness, lies, lack of integrity in public office and so is the Country.
I do not believe that it is naive to want and frankly expect, justice, fairness, integrity, competent governing, candid views, new ideas that actually SAVE money instead of spending our last dime from every elected candidate.
Not only in the Auditors race, but in all state and federal races, what is going on? Why is there even a question about the responsibility of the auditors office for legal campaigning and honest ballot counting. For identifying all voting machines, where they are and what the security measures are around them. I don’t want someone in office who has a problem with running and administering a fair campaign. My vote went to Leoard Christian.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 29 at 12:11 a.m.
Mr Clark..et al… I am usually actually not behind my keyboard that much… rather out on the streets or at Central Methodist… come on down and join us any morning….. I type 120 wpm so this does NOT occupy hours of hunt and pecking…:))
The elections will be over in a few days… it is too late now to take the training, ( and for some reason the Republican Party has historically not sent, or been able to get enough “concerned citizens” to come to the elections office a month or so prior to the ballot count to take the training and then actually show up to “watch the paint dry”….
As a trained observer over the past years it has been possible for me to choose any one of the areas of the process to stand or sit and watch for hours…( and many hours have been spent)..
I am not sure that Mr Christian has taken the time to go and do this… or actually participate at the ground level to foster our elections process. The part time paid staff, hired specifically for these jobs rotate their positions, as well as the observers rotating at their whim ..
SO… i’d be happy to respond to ANY area of concern with specific responses to specific questions or concerns about this rock solid process….
What specifically are your insights in to “fraud” and how it might occur?
1. Opening and getting the ballots ready…
2. Verification of Each and Every signature by various people
3. A second check by another staff person if the signature looks suscpicious.
4 a third check by a more highly trained staff person to discern again the signature
5. Contacting the voter who’s signature was judged “questionable” to offer them a chance to resubmit their ballot.
6. Counting the ballots by machine for each precinct.
7. Elections board determination meetings with open attendance for other questions.
8. Final certification at the end.
Now i’m doing this from memory, of two years ago… and there are other steps involved i’ve likely forgotten… but each and every step is open and available for the trained observers to choose to check….
So for the vociferous of you here…. what of this process have you observed yourselves personally, and when did Mr Christian go on down and take the trainiing? .. John
Leonard_Christian on October 29 at 11:53 a.m.
@ChefGus,
Feel free to call Mike at the elections office and ask him how many “times” I took the training this year and in 2008!!! It will blow a few holes in your post.
Also, you seemed to forget the 9% + duplication process and just how many times your ballot is handled before it gets counted. You are also welcome to request a copy of the sign in logs to see how many unpaid hours I spent in 2008 and this election cycle along with my family. When I asked the Auditor to address some serious issues I saw, she said NO to every single one of them… The most disturbing was her lack of concern for the safety of the public and county employees. This brick building has only 1 door from any of the 9 back rooms, no fire/smoke alarm, no fire warning system, no emergency exits, and the windows are 15 feet in the air… If this election does nothing more than save a life in this building, win or loose it was worth every dollar and minute I spent running for office.
Leonard Christian
Candidate for Spokane County Auditor
greenlibertarian on October 29 at 12:13 p.m.
“Christian questioned whether Lilyquist and others had adequate training, but agreed that Dalton’s handling of the mistake was appropriate.”
Over, Rover.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 29 at 8:11 p.m.
Mr Christian, thank you for the information…. I did not “question” anything except whether you have/had actually spent time on the ground during the elections cycle…. funny we did not have a chance to talk during the 08 cycle…. sounds like you were likely there some of the same days and times as me……
It felt to me as if some of the “posters” were trying to jostle me around…. and likely that is an accurate feeling.. i’ve put my time in on this and many more projects here, and elsewhere throughout my life.. and don’t care for ad hominem rejoinders to simple serious questions… Thankyou for your considerate response, and for the time you have spent on this elections process….. “Critique” is always appropriate for ANY voter who is informed and has spent the time you have apparently…. Not so sure what the others on this string bring to the table in terms of experience in the elections office…. thanks john
Leonard_Christian on October 29 at 9:29 p.m.
You are welcome ChefGus (John),
and thank you for your service to the people of Spokane at the Elections Office. I know it is very low pay and hard work.
Leonard Christian…
ChefGus/ John Olsen on October 31 at 2:59 a.m.
Leonard…. the “work” at the elections office that many do is volunteer work…. there are many paid employees.. the observers from both parties, or as independents are not paid ( but we do get some donuts and coffee. :)) Just hope there are enough volunteers this year of strife to help everyone trust the process…. best gus