Appointment was right one for facilities department

I would like to thank Linn County Auditor Joel Miller for his vigilance in working to ensure the integrity of the election process and for his efforts to expand convenient voting options for Linn County citizens by adding early voting locations and promoting absentee voting.

These are important issues that require oversight and attention, particularly at a time when various interests across the state are trying to, in my opinion, unnecessarily change election and voting rules.

I would also like to thank the Linn County Board of Supervisors for its work to ensure the professional and quality management of Linn County facilities. The appointment of a department head thoroughly experienced in facilities management with the primary responsibility of managing facilities - as opposed to other duties, such as elections and accounts payable - who will be closely involved in the operations of the department, is the best way to make sure the county's public buildings are properly operated and maintained.

Today's buildings require an understanding beyond basic custodial and maintenance duties - building automation, security, heating and cooling and other electrical and mechanical systems are highly technical and demand training and experience to manage effectively. Taxpayers have invested millions of dollars in these buildings, so let's make sure they are taken care of.

George Kanz

Cedar Rapids