After 24 years as Whatcom County auditor, Shirley Forslof retires at the end of this year. Among her many accomplishments, Shirley and her staff have incorporated considerable transparency and citizen participation in her office activities, particularly of those of the elections division, now recognized as one of the best in the nation. If you have a minute, please address a short note of thanks for dedicated service to her.

Congratulations to Shirley's six-year chief deputy auditor, Debbie Adelstein, for her election as Whatcom County's next auditor. In January, Debbie and her staff will hit the ground running into the constitutionally mandated 10-year redistricting in the midst of a presidential election season.

Thanks to excellent campaigner and wonderful person J. Lynn Walker for an invigorating campaign. Please keep up your great public service.

Thanks to the voters, who turned out in unusually high numbers for this election. Particular thanks to the majority of voters who voted early, showed respect for their ballots and followed directions. Those who didn't are responsible for most processing delays and expense.

For an amazing education, consider joining me as a certified elections observer.

Stephen K. Schuck

Bellingham