Two vie for Davis County Auditor

By MARK NEWMAN Courier staff writer

May 06, 2008 11:10 pm

— Editor’s note: Between now and June 3, the Courier will profile candidates in contested area county and statewide races.
BLOOMFIELD — Two Democrats will face off against each other for the Davis County Auditor’s post during the June 3 primary — Linda Humphrey and Brenda Johnson. Incumbent Auditor Goldie Rysdam is not running for re-election.

Linda Humphrey
Linda Humphrey said her training has taken place at the Davis County Auditor’s office, where she currently works.
“I have a strong accounting background, excellent computer skills, and I’m already familiar with all the software we use in the office,” she said. “I’ve worked very closely with the current auditor in all the areas of her job and will have even more training by the time she would leave this position.”
She said she’s also familiar with recent legislative decisions that will impact Davis County.
“The [Iowa] Legislature has made some big changes to the election laws for Iowa voters this year. My training has made me aware of all of [the changes] and the new voting equipment. I’m the election administrator... plus I do the county payroll, the fixed assets and the real estate.”
But it’s not just knowledge that would make her a good auditor, Humphrey said.
“I went to school here, raised a family here, have a lot of friends here,” she said. “I really do care about the people here. And I would look forward to continuing to serve all the people of Davis County.”
Humphrey said besides getting voters and election workers up to speed on the new voting equipment, the next auditor may also be called upon to review the budget for money to help repair county roads severely damaged by winter weather and thawing.

Brenda Johnson
Brenda Johnson said if she became auditor, it would be her goal to have citizens served right the first time.
“[I want] to serve Davis County residents in a timely and efficient manner, so that they are able to complete their business in a first-time visit rather than having to come back to the office,” she said.
To see that happen, she would call on her experience and training.
“I have a [bachelor’s] degree in accounting from Truman State University in Kirksville, 20-plus years of experience including working for the auditor of state and many years working for the corporate office a health and human services agency.”
Johnson considers herself to be an accurate person who is organized, pays attention to details and has excellent problem solving skills.
When considering a run for office, not only did she job shadow an auditor in a neighboring county, she contacted the Iowa ethics board for campaigns to make sure such action was ethical.
She said two ideas to help keep things running efficiently will be maximizing computer usage and “cross training” her employees so they can do each other’s jobs.
“The benefit is residents don’t have to wait until someone returns,” she said.
Johnson said she could bring “fresh administrative leadership” to the office.
“I feel I’m qualified to do the job, and this [job] allows me to serve my community.”
No Republicans filed for the county auditor’s position for the primary election.
Mark Newman can be reached at (641) 683-5358 or via e-mail at mgnewman@mchsi.com.

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