As the year comes to an end, so does an era of dedicated work, progress and leadership of Johnson County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Tom Slockett.

Slockett has served us very well. He has served through some amazing times. He led the county into the computer age. He quickly embraced technology, the Internet, email and robust websites. He was the first county auditor in the state to have a website.

He and his skilled staff well have managed and accounted for our tax dollars and created many budget savings. His ardent advocacy for removing barriers to voting will be his greatest legacy. Today we expect to be able to vote from home, the public library, Hy-Vee or at the auditor’s office for five weeks before Election Day. In the 1990s, Slockett led the state in putting reforms and conveniences in place in the face of stiff opposition from the Board of Supervisors and the public. Slockett stayed the course for what he believed in, always treating his opponents with facts and respect.

And while he may have lost his last election in June, he has made us winners. He can be proud of his enduring service and outstanding accomplishments that will continue to serve Johnson County residents for a long time.

Joe Bolkcom

Iowa City