Lyle Hanson back in mix, will take Democratic primary challenge to Linn Auditor Joel Miller

Former Cedar Rapids Finance Commissioner Lyle Hanson is running for Linn County Auditor.

Hanson, 55,  of  2561 L Ave. NW, will run as a Democrat: That means a primary race in June with incumbent Joel Miller.

'The Linn County Auditor position is a great match with my skills and experience,' he says. 'As county auditor,  I  will focus on quality public service, and improving efficiency and accountability in county elections. 'Some citizens of Linn County have approached me and asked me to run.

"After careful consideration, I have decided that I would love to continue my career in the public sector,' he adds.

Hanson had two runs as finance commissioner for the city, the last of which ended at the end of 2005 when the city changed from a commission form of government to the current city manager/part-time council form of government.

Hanson then left city government last summer when his management position in the Department of Community Development was eliminated under the 2007 City Hall reorganization that did away with several other top city jobs, including parks director, streets director, transit director and water utility director.

Hanson holds a master's degree in public administration, and worked for the city of Cedar Rapids most of his working life. He was city clerk, a manager in housing services and a special projects manager at the end. He reverted to his city employment the two times he left the elective office of finance commissioner, as dictated by state law. The first time he left elective offie after an unsuccessful run for mayor.

Hanson notes that he has worked directly with the county auditor's office in the past regarding several special elections and to redistrict city precinct maps following the 1990 and 2000 census.

'I am committed to an efficient government that is open and responsive to the community,' he says. 'After a childhood of traveling with a military family, I made my home in Linn County over 30 years ago after graduating from the University of Iowa. I want to make sure everyone can continue to say, 'This is a great place to call home.''

Lyle and his wife Anne have been married for 19 years. They have two married adult children, son Rob and daughter Kristin, and two grandchildren.