QUESTIONS
FOR THE CANDIDATES
Island County Auditor
QUESTION
Some costly mistakes occurred
in the preparation of the last
primary voter’s guide. What
would you do to keep these kinds
of things from happening in the
future?
Results haven’t been posted
online in a timely fashion on
election night. What would
you do to expedite that situation?
The previous auditor was
sometimes criticized for spending
too much time out of the office
at conferences. How important is
it for you to serve in professional
associations that would require
your absence from county
government?
The state auditor has
pushed the county to finalize a
contract with the Island County
Fair Association regarding the fair.
Many months have passed. What
would you do to expedite the
situation?
Why are you better than your
opponent for the job?
Sheilah Crider
I took immediate corrective action, implementing
policy changes preventing future occurrences. We
require final proof from publishers before printing. My
staff and I are constantly evaluating ways of improving
systems, being fiscally responsible and evaluating
cost-saving measures and options.
2008 results posted early. Feb. 19 and Aug. 19
results posted online about 8:30 p.m. Auditors can-
not tabulate election results until polls close at 8 p.m.
Results must be tabulated, verified and submitted to
the secretary of state before we post.
Professional organizations have significant value to
elected officials. Education and training are benefits
of membership. Costs are reduced for members. My
office staff is very capable in my absence, but I intend
on being a working auditor in my office.
The contract outlining the responsibilities must be
negotiated between the board of county commission-
ers and Island County Fair Board. The auditor cannot
negotiate this contract. I am prepared to participate
and assist as needed to reach resolution of this issue.
Experience, experience, experience. I have actual
hands-on, current experience as auditor. Experience
conducting elections, developing budgets, facilitating
daily operations, conducting our department in an
open, transparent manner, being accessible. Reaching
across party lines, I’ve established bipartisan coali-
tions with fellow elected officials.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD
www.southwhidbeyrecord.com
Jim Palmer
I prepare written reports for courts, banks and
the IRS, and understand that proofreading is criti-
cal. An integral component of good management
includes ensuring that the skills of the employee
match the assignment, and I will provide appropriate
supervision.
When an announcement is given regarding the
posting of current results, it is imperative that the
schedule be attained. Not only is this a customer-
service issue, but a key component of the public
trust.
As auditor, I will attend conferences essential
to the function of the office. I do not anticipate the
necessity to regularly attend professional associa-
tion conferences. My number-one professional pri-
ority will be to the office of Island County auditor.
Since I am not the current auditor, I am only aware
of the situation through what has been presented in
the media and do not know why this has not been
resolved. I will avoid delaying important issues.
I am skilled in management, planning, customer
service and financial statements, having owned
businesses for 25 years, including the Freeland and
Oak Harbor RadioShacks and currently as a certi-
fied business appraiser. I also teach these skills part-
time for Skagit Valley College.