Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Both candidates have served for years in governmental jobs.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Two people experienced in public sector finances are seeking to become Columbiana County's next auditor.
Incumbent Nancy Milliken said her lengthy experience in county government makes her "the perfect candidate."
Challenger Cynthia Altomare cited as assets her education and her experience as a village clerk and school treasurer.
Milliken's candidacy marks her first bid to be elected to a full term as auditor. She was appointed to the auditor's post in November 2000 to complete the term of then-auditor Patricia Hadley, who resigned for health reasons.
Milliken said the auditor's office has fared well under her guidance.
She noted that she has reinstated the county's weights and measures program, which ensures the accuracy of gasoline pumps, scales and other measuring devices.
The program had been suspended because of a funding shortage.
Milliken said her efforts in 2001 helped persuade the state to reconsider a proposed property value increase. Property taxes are determined using the values.
The state wanted to raise values by nearly 25 percent, which would have resulted in a tax increase of about 14 percent.
Milliken said she helped persuade the state to pare the value increase by 12 percent, resulting in a tax increase of about 7.5 percent.
Forecasting is a goal
Altomare said that one of her goals, if elected, would be to implement a financial forecasting and long-range financial planning program.
Doing so would render it easier to make decisions regarding the county's fiscal objectives, she said.
Another aim, Altomare said, is to convert the county's accounting system to a method that provides officeholders and county residents an annual report that more accurately describes the county's financial position.
Altomare also said she wants to assume a key role in the county's fiscal decision-making.
"Sound financial decisions cannot be made without sound financial advice," Altomare said.
"The county auditor should serve as the chief financial officer ... and assume more of the responsibility for the financial decisions," she added.