I have had the experience of living in a county with Tom Slockett as the auditor and for almost the same period of time living in Cedar County, without Tom.

As a citizen, I work on primary and general election campaigns and have done so for several decades. I think I understand the election functions of an auditor’s office.

The difference is stark and consistent. Tom’s office is voter-friendly and reaches out for participation. Satellite voting is unheard of in my county. Tom worked to bring the Board of Supervisors into the world of early voting. He has done the same on the state level. It was not easy.

Visit the websites of each office for a quick lesson in an A+ office. Tom’s office gathers and shares voting returns and statistics that are gold to educated citizens. Johnson County has benefitted from Tom’s leadership in considering the vote a sacred trust.

A few years ago, I had the chance to participate in a recount involving three counties: Johnson, Cedar and Muscatine. All were pleasant offices, but Johnson stood out for the number of volunteers and folks in the office who understood the process and supported it. Tom has demonstrated the ability to create and lead an office which understands and values the ballot.

Moreover, he is an auditor who wants its citizens not simply served but catered to.

I hope in the upcoming fights about photo ID for voting we continue to have his voice and expertise.

Clara Oleson

West Branch