Incumbent Lizbeth Williams was recently announced as the Democratic nominee for Butler County Auditor. Williams was nominated through the Butler County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Williams will face Republican nominee Leslie Groen in the general election on November 3. Groen was nominated in the June Republican primary.

Q: Could you give a little background on your nomination? How do you feel about running as a Democrat now after originally running in the primary as a Republican?

A: I was defeated as the Republican candidate in the June primary, and because of a recent change in the law, candidates are no longer allowed to run “No Party” or “Nomination by Petition” on the General Election ballot. I was nominated by the Butler County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, August 12.

I feel that running in the General Election is essential to Butler County’s stability. I also feel whether I am a Democrat or Republican should not be of issue. My work is in black and white, balancing, scrutinizing expenditures and conducting fair elections.

Q: Why have you decided to run as the Democratic nominee for Auditor?

A: I joined the Democratic Party and was subsequently nominated by convention so the voters will have a choice. I am running because I have the experience, training and dedication to continue to provide good judgement and efficient administration necessary to serve the citizens of Butler County. One of my duties is to administer the elections in Butler County, and I believe it is essential that they be conducted openly, fairly and non-partisan, so the people can have faith in their elected government.

Q: What experience makes you qualified for this position?

A: I am the current Butler County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections in my eighth year of ser-vice. Prior to being elected in both 2012 and 2016, I was employed in the Auditor’s Office where I gained the knowledge and experience necessary for the office I now hold. The previous Auditor, Holly Fokkena, hired me and wanted “to hone me to be the next Auditor.” I am very grateful for that, because I love what I do. I am a Certified Elections Administrator, a member of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors with numerous hours of continuing education in elections, recent legislative changes and budgeting. I clerk the Board of Supervisors, take minutes and produce and monitor the county budget for the Board. I oversee all elections, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, real estate and the maintenance and custodial staff. I certify the county, school and city budgets to the State, apply levies to values, perform the tax billing, prepare various quarterly and yearly reports and am responsible for the condition of the taxpayers’ house and grounds under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. During my terms of service, yearly audits performed by the State Auditor’s Office have always had stellar reviews.

Q: How long have you lived in Butler County, and what is your occupation?

A: I was born and raised in Greene, the daughter of Ray Holtz and the late Rosina Holtz, both teachers in the Greene Community School District. I graduated from Greene High School, and moved outside of Butler County to further my education and seek employment. My background is in marketing research, grant writing and office management. I love Butler County and all it stands for. I had a wonderful upbringing here, so I chose to move my young family back to Greene, where small town values and a simpler way of life still exist. My children are now grown, but Butler County will always be our home. My current occupation is that of Butler County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections.

Q: What is the most important issue facing Butler County today?

A: For the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting our economy and everyone’s lives and livelihoods in so many ways. In these trying times, we, as county leaders, have policies and procedures in place and will continue to listen to our local Public Health Department and Emergency Management Agency for guidance and recommendations, so we can best advise and protect the general public and our county’s critical infrastructure employees. We all strive to provide the citizens full services, while following our local, professional guidance. Unemployment numbers are high because of the pandemic, but Butler County investments are producing jobs. Our continued commitment to growth and job opportunities will be important, too. We need growing communities and a strong business environment, so we can continue to expand our tax base.

Q: What needs to be done to resolve that issue?

A: We need to move forward together, trusting the experience and knowledge of our county leaders and our health experts. In this ever-changing and uncertain world, we need county government that is responsive, experienced and embraces change with an ongoing commitment to maintain quality of life, prosperity and fiscal responsibility.

I will continue to utilize my experience with policy and budgeting to help ensure the county maintains compliance with the Iowa Code, while also meeting the needs of the constituents. I will strive to maintain compliance, accountability and transparency in regard to all aspects of county government.

Q: What is your vision for Butler County?

A: I want to see Butler County continue to grow, prosper and be able to offer job opportunities, so people do not need to seek employment away from a place they want to call home.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

A: I would like to clear up a couple of issues:

• My opponent published a letter to the editor just before the Primary Election that complained of yelling and profane unprofessional conduct in the area of Auditor’s Office. It was a gross distortion and misrepresentation of the facts. There are, however, heated discussions that take place from time to time in the Boardroom and filter into my office. It is the nature of the job. I have amazing staff, and to insinuate that I or my staff are unprofessional or use profane language with the public could not be further from the truth.
• There have been many questions regarding the FY21 County Budget. The Auditor’s job as it pertains to the budget is to compile and enter the approved expenditures and estimated revenues according to State requirements. I present it to the Board, so they can determine a levy. I make any requested changes for the Board and certify the budget to the State. The budget date was extended this year because of COVID-19. The budget was certified on time just like every other budget under my watch.
• I would like the voters of Butler County to consider that I have the knowledge and experience to continue in this position, no matter the party. There is no reason I should be unseated, and I would appreciate your support on November 3. Thank you!

(This article originally appeared in The Clarksville Star and is reprinted with permission.)