For Linn County Treasurer: Gonzalez

By The Gazette Editorial Board

Sharon Gonzalez has the experience, drive, organizational skills and leadership traits needed to become Linn County treasurer. After more than 30 years of service in that office, she's not settling for status quo.

She shouldn't. Her opponent, Joe Clarahan, also has impressive qualifications and is challenging to “raise the bar of expectations.”

Improving customer service is a high priority for both candidates.

Clarahan wants to train staff so all can handle front-line duties at the Motor Vehicle and Tax departments, especially when lines grow. Process transactions faster, he says.

Gonzalez plans to create universal clerks to do the same. She also says she'll implement a numbering system to better serve waiting customers and see through the computer upgrade of the tax collection system.

Clarahan, a company controller, touts his financial expertise, proposing that receipts funds could be better invested. That possibility should be explored regardless of who is elected on Nov. 2.

Still, with her track record, including work with statewide initiatives, Gonzalez has earned a shot at this job, and must push the office ahead.

l Sunday: Endorsements for Linn County supervisors