Joel Miller challenged by Joe Stutler for Linn County auditor

CEDAR RAPIDS — Incumbent Linn County Auditor Joel Miller and challenger Joe Stutler have differing opinions on how the county auditor should work with staff and fellow elected officials.

Miller has not shied away from questioning others in the county, much to the chagrin of several on the Linn County Board of Supervisors, while Stutler says there needs to be a more collaborative relationship between elected officials.

Voters on June 7 are to choose between the two Democrats. There currently are no Republicans seeking the post, which means the winner of Tuesday's primary likely would be uncontested in the November general election.

Stutler, 52, said Miller is a key reason for his decision to run for county auditor. Things need to be done differently, he said, citing ongoing tensions between Miller and the five-member board of supervisors.

'It shouldn't be all about fighting, bickering and constantly butting heads,' Stutler said. 'I want to cut the waste, the needless spending and, quite frankly, cut the crap.'

However, Miller — who compared such claims to those made before the 2012 election, when he beat challenger Garth Fagerbakke — said any tensions are the result of his dedication to question board decisions when necessary.

'The real head-butting, if you want to call it that, is with the board and that's mainly questions. And they don't like being questioned,' said Miller, 60. 'I view my work as doing the work of the taxpayers ... 'I think that's a benefit to the county. I think the taxpayers feel it's a benefit to them that I'm an advocate.'

Miller was elected in a 2007 special election and won re-election bids in 2008 and 2012. Miller said he plans for this election to be his last run for another term as auditor.

Stutler said running against an incumbent comes with obvious challenges, but he pointed to endorsements he's received from several county officials, including supervisors Ben Rogers, James Houser, Brent Oleson and John Harris.

Stutler said those endorsements reflect their relationships with Miller.

'All of these people have had interactions with my opponent. They're quite frankly fed up with the constant attacks,' he said.

Miller, who said he wasn't surprised by his opponent's endorsements, said he encourages contested races — including his own.

'I think we need opponents in these elections to challenge incumbents and challenge their performance, I'm OK with that,' he said. 'I'm glad I have an opponent because that gives me an idea of what people are dissatisfied with.'

With a background in the military and logistics, Stutler said his experience in purchasing, budgeting and management of facilities, resources and materials would lend themselves well to the county auditor job.

'That's right up my alley,' he said.

Miller said, if re-elected, he would continue to focus on elections, real estate, accounting and minute-taking — as well as questioning the board.

'The better way to run the office is not collaboration and cooperation when there are questions to be asked,' Miller said.

Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Joel Miller vs. Joe Stutler: More info on the candidates

Joel Miller

Age: 60

Address: Robins

Professional background: Linn County Auditor since 2007.

Education experience: Associate's degrees in police science and electronics engineering technology from Hawkeye Institute of Technology and bachelor's degree in liberal studies from University of the State of New York.

Community service: Member of American Legion Post 298, member of Metro North Rotary, member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and past chairman of Linn County Democratic Central Committee.

Quote: 'I view my work as doing the work of the taxpayers. I think that's a benefit to the county. I think the taxpayers feel it's a benefit to them that I'm an advocate.'

Joe Stutler

Age: 52

Address: Marion

Professional background: Retired information technology consultant; Veteran of the U.S. Army and Army National Guard.

Education experience: Bachelor's degree in business management and associate's degree in information networking from Hamilton College.

Community service: Serves on the Democratic National Committee's Veterans & Military Families Council, the Iowa Democratic Party's Veterans & Disabilities Caucuses and as a precinct representative on the Linn County Democratic Party Central Committee and vice chairman of Marion Civil Rights Commission.

Quote: 'I want to cut the waste, the needless spending and, quite frankly, cut the crap.'