McHenry County auditor hopefuls talk strength of office

There are two candidates for McHenry County auditor Republican primary -- incumbent Pamela K. Palmer, of Union and Richard C. Kelly of Crystal Lake.

The Daily Herald asked the candidates several questions, and here are their answers:

Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

Richard C. Kelly. I believe that in a democracy the people should be allowed to evaluate and vote for the best candidate. If the current position holder is given the spot and never faced any challenge, we have defeated the entire basis of our country. In the current situation, the public has never been given choice. My top priority will be to restore the public's faith in the office that all federal and state laws are being followed. I also will protect the interests of the citizens and remove the office from using power for merely political purposes.

Pamela K. Palmer. I am running for re-election as auditor because of the difference I can make with my expertise in accounting and auditing. I was chief deputy for eight years, appointed as auditor in February 2006 and elected as auditor in November 2006. Previously, I had 20 years experience in accounting and auditing in banking. I want to continue to implement short- and long-term financial enhancements for the county.

My education includes a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and management.

I am motivated to run as I have been involved in accounting and auditing for my entire career and want to use this experience and background in serving McHenry County's citizens. In addition, my qualities of having a hard work ethic; innovation in problem solving and planning; excellent communication and written skills; being a team player; and my ability to consider the overall picture; are all necessary for a leadership position. My main priority is to protect the taxpayer's dollars.

Q. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Kelly. I will provide the strength in the office -- which it has lacked -- in order to maintain the smooth operation of county government. I would deal directly with the other department leaders and not compromise the taxpayers' interests for petty political reasons.

Palmer. My main contributions have been to strengthen the county through excellent financial operations and internal auditing. I'm proud that my office received the ninth consecutive Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the county. I compiled and implemented a formal written internal audit program in 2006 that is based upon the performance of a risk assessment of the county's departments. McHenry County is a leader in having this type of a program.

I have started an auditor's newsletter internally to educate departments on such items as internal control. A fraud, waste, and abuse hotline for reporting alleged activities has been made available by me with information on the auditor's Web page. I have also established the auditor's office as a resource for departments to contact for financial or operational assistance, which has resulted in increased cooperation and teamwork.