In Whatcom County, barely half of the voters, on average, have cast ballots in the last five odd-year general elections.
The candidates for county auditor, who oversees the office that mails out and counts ballots, have ideas for increasing that turnout. They both say better use of technology will increase voter awareness and participation.
"The Auditor's Office should already be using social media, especially Facebook," said J. Lynne Walker, currently administrator for Bellingham City Council.
She is touting her ability to bring a new perspective and vision to an office that, for nearly a quarter-century, has been run by retiring Auditor Shirley Forslof.
Her opponent, Debbie Adelstein, emphasizes her relevant experience; she has served the last six as chief deputy auditor. Adelstein said she has administered 23 elections, and has the ability to provide a smooth transition of office leadership.
"I believe the citizens look for stability and solid leadership in the Auditor's Office," she said. "I can provide that."
Here are the candidates' views on some important topics:
VOTER AWARENESS
Adelstein: When asked what she could do to improve voter awareness and participation, Adelstein pointed to the following:
- Produce a quarterly e-newsletter about key office operations and topics of voter interest.
- Offer an online tour of office operations.
- Use social media, including Facebook.
- Increase outreach to nonpartisan groups, as well as to the political parties.
- Consider a more local presence in voter registration of high school students.
- Increase interactions with the Citizens' Election Advisory Committee
Walker: In addition to using social media, Walker said she would work to schedule demonstrations, volunteer training and Citizens' Election Advisory Committee meetings at times when working people can attend. Right now, committee meetings are 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Other ideas:
- Hold outreach programs to high school seniors, senior communities, minorities, disabled people and students.
- Hold public appearances and media events.
- Conduct tours of the elections center, as well as ballot-casting demonstrations.
- Provide a forum for people who are interested in running for office but who have questions.
- Conduct citizen surveys.
- Participate in voter-registration drives.
EXPERIENCE
Adelstein: When asked what makes her the best candidate, Adelstein cited her experience. She has written multiple budgets for the office, administered many elections and holds state certification as an elections administrator.
She supervises 16 employees, and looks to cost-saving measures whenever possible, she said. One example: The office reduced elections overtime costs from $25,000 in 2006 to $6,000 in 2010.
Adelstein, who is endorsed by Forslof, said that with a presidential election coming in 2012 the office deserves a steady hand and the most relevant experience possible.
Walker: One of the reasons she's best for the seat: "I have not been working in the Auditor's Office," she said.
"It is healthy for organizations to break the chain of succession from time to time," Walker said. "New management questions the status quo and challenges staff to explore better ways of doing their work."
"Evaluating your own policies and procedures is like proofreading your own work," she said, "it's hard to see changes that need to be made."
Walker said she has broader experiences, as well, including running three public offices and owning and operating two small businesses. She has served 16 elected officials, and knows the difference between a good and bad one, she said.
ELECTION COVERAGE
Check Bellinghamherald.com/elections for news on the November election, including:
- Q and A's from candidates in contested races across Whatcom County;
- Links to candidates' websites;
- Recent articles on the local races;
- Headlines on races and measures across the state and country.
ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
Debbie Adelstein
Elected office you seek: Whatcom County auditor
Age: 63
Family: husband Steve; son, Aaron, 35, and daughter, Rena, 33.
Education: Graduate of Foster High School, Tukwila; 1970 graduate of Western Washington University (political science).
Work experience: Two years as administrative assistant for Bellingham Public Works administration; 16 years as legal secretary and paralegal at three law firms (Seattle, Spokane and Bellingham); 15 years at Whatcom County in the County Executive and Auditor's offices.
Civic experience: Board participation in various civic and nonprofit organizations, including Western Alumni Association, Western Foundation, awarded "Builder of Bellingham;" Boys & Girls Club of Whatcom County, Roosevelt PTA; Bellingham Public Schools Task Force member examining year-round school options; and other civic organizations.
Major endorsements (limit 10): On principle I did not seek party endorsements or endorsements from candidates. Major endorsers are Shirley Forslof, Whatcom County auditor; Tim Douglas, former mayor of Bellingham; Dale Brandland, former Whatcom County sheriff and former state senator; Barbara Ryan, former Bellingham City Council member; Ward Nelson, former Whatcom County Council member; Chuck Robinson, local business owner; Bob Diehl, local business owner; Chet Dow; Julie Fleetwood; Bob Morse.
Campaign website: adelsteinforauditor.com
Email: adelsteinforauditor@comcast.net
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Adelstein-for-Auditor/16341892038377
J. Lynne Walker
Elected office you seek: Whatcom County auditor
Age: 51
Family: husband David Walker; son James Goolsby, daughter Katherine Goolsby.
Education: 2009 bachelor of science in business/public administration, honors, University of Phoenix; 2003 Leadership Skills Training, Excellence Northwest, Bellingham; 2002 Supervision, Management and Leadership Skills certificate, Whatcom Community College; 1979 Practical Nursing certificate, Bellingham Technical College; 1977 Ferndale High School graduate.
Work experience: Legislative administrator for Bellingham City Council (2004 to present); executive assistant to Mayor Mark Asmundson (2002 to 2004); legislative aide to state Rep. Kelli Linville (2000 to 2002); campaign manager for re-election of Linville (1999); legal secretary, law firm of Brett & Daugert, PLLC (1986 to 2000), instructor for Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross (1985 to 1997); owner/operator Ferndale Bicycle (1982 to 1985); medical records clerk at St. Luke's Hospital (1977 to 1980).
Civic experience: member, League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County; member, Whatcom Fair Voting; member, Northwest Business Club; member, City Club; member, First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ; member, Society of Human Resources Managers; member, Lean Enterprise Institute; board member and executive committee, Whatcom Family and Community Network. Past: founder and member, Excellence Northwest board of directors (2003 - 2005); member, Bellingham Sister Cities Advisory Board (2002-2004); vice president, Northwest Justice Center (2002-2004).
Major endorsements (limit 10): City Council members Terry Bornemann, Stan Snapp, Gene Knutson, Michael Lilliquist, Barry Buchanan, Jack Weiss; Whatcom Democrats, Whatcom County Democratic Women's Club. Please note: Whatcom Republicans are not making endorsement for the auditor's race. The Green and Libertarian parties only endorse their own members. The Bellingham Tea Party does not endorse candidates.
Campaign website: jlynnewalker.com
Email: jlynne@jlynnewalker.com
Facebook page: J. Lynne Walker for Whatcom County Auditor
