Joel Miller is a dedicated public servant

So Garth Fagerbakke wants to run the (Linn County) auditor's office like Linda Langenberg did. She was liked by all. Sometimes that's not enough. Fagerbakke also thinks the auditor role does not include checks and balances, unfavorably known as a “watchdog.”

Does Fagerbakke remember the ongoing misappropriation of funds from July 1995 to January 1999 by his predecessor to the tune of $178,806? He should, he was the one who replaced him on Jan. 3, 1999. That guy went to prison. This happened all under Langenberg's watch. A “watchdog” would have caught this before it cost the taxpayers thousands. So much for being well liked and popular.

Joel Miller's job is to audit. Look up the word. He is a “watchdog” and should be. The Board of Supervisors and many elected officials don't take kindly to anyone questioning their spending habits. One would think they would welcome thorough accounting practices to assure every tax dollar is spent in the most efficient way. Miller's priority has not been to win any popularity contest with other county officials, but rather to be accountable and protect the taxpayers who put him there. There has been a thinly veiled smear campaign to try to influence the public perception of Miller and his role as auditor. There are a number of misconceptions regarding Miller. Find out the truth about the accusations that have been leveled unfairly. Miller is truly a dedicated public servant.

Julie Harrelson

Hiawatha