LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Wanda Grone is right for Island County treasurer

There are at least two problems which occurred in the office of Island County treasurer that adversely affected island taxpayers. One was an error on the 2014 Stanwood-Camano school district levy which resulted in more than 12,000 explanatory letters being sent at county expense to explain that the school levy did not really double, although the original statement indicated that it did. Much extra time was spent fixing this error, which resulted in other duties being delayed or forgotten.

October 14, 2014 6:21 pm

Editor,

There are at least two problems which occurred in the office of Island County treasurer that adversely affected island taxpayers.

One was an error on the 2014 Stanwood-Camano school district levy which resulted in more than 12,000 explanatory letters being sent at county expense to explain that the school levy did not really double, although the original statement indicated that it did. Much extra time was spent fixing this error, which resulted in other duties being delayed or forgotten.

A second was the treasurer’s investment strategy which resulted in a loss of more than $1 million in 2013. The treasurer relied too much on the advice of investment brokers whose sole interest is in selling their product.

The treasurer said (concerning these problems) if re-elected, she plans to restructure her office and place a manager over collections and a manager over investments to increase oversight. It is a little late to add these positions. Public officials are elected to solve problems and make government efficient, not create new problems.

Wanda Grone has the experience and knowledge to ensure that the taxpayers of Island County will not lose investment capital or have to pay for rectifying mistakes.

BILL CARRUTHERS

Clinton