GREENFIELD — The Hancock County Auditor’s Office is an open race with Robin Lowder moving on because of term limits. The race for the Republican nomination is a two-way battle between the county’s current recorder and a newcomer to the political world. No Democrats have filed for the office.
Heather Bussell
Bussell hails from New Palestine, where she has raised her five children while working at Pritchett Orthodontics as the office’s insurance and financial coordinator. That position has taught her multitasking, as she wears many hats, she said.
“On a daily basis, I’m doing auditing, insurance claims, payroll, marketing — whatever is needed on that particular day,” Bussell said. “And the auditor’s office doesn’t do just one thing. I feel like I’m prepared for that aspect of the job.”
Bussell tested the waters back in 2009, throwing her name in the ring when a GOP caucus was called to select a replacement for then-auditor Linda Grass, but ultimately, the job went to Lowder. With the position once again open, Bussell jumped at the chance to run, saying the timing is perfect to pursue position she’s had her eye on for years.
If ultimately elected in November, Bussell said she would look to promote cross-training in the office to make sure her employees know how to handle a wide variety of tasks. She also wants to bring her high level of customer service and work ethic to the office, she said.
“I want everyone to be as passionate about their work as I am,” she said. “I’m a perfectionist, I’m a hard worker, and I want that to be contagious.”
Debra Carnes
Carnes is currently the county recorder, but has reached her term limit. Not yet ready to retire or leave county government, she decided to run for auditor.
Carnes believes her experience managing the claims and budgets in the recorder’s office, combined with her background in county government, make her a good candidate for auditor. She’s confident the experience also gives her the advantage in the race.
“Since the auditor’s office is the financial backbone of the county, it’s critical that someone has a solid knowledge of governmental procedures and government finance,” Carnes said. “I have that knowledge, and that’s what I want to bring to the office.”
She also pointed out that she works with the auditor, clerk and assessor on a weekly basis and believes transitioning into another county office would be a relatively smooth process.
If elected, Carnes wants to introduce more technology to help streamline everyday operations.
Find out where they stand:
Heather Bussell: http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/?p=69768&preview_id=69768&preview_nonce=ed5bd93ba1&post_format=standard&preview=true
Debra Carnes: http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/?p=69764&preview_id=69764&preview_nonce=c8b240f26a&post_format=standard&preview=true
