Clark County Auditor candidates discuss financial experience

Oct. 18--CLARK COUNTY -- A political newcomer will face a current county council member in the race for Clark County Auditor. Republican Danny Yost, a member of the Clark County Council, is running against Democrat Nancy Stemler-Shepherd, the chief deputy in the county clerk's office.

Monty Snelling currently holds the position of Clark County Auditor, but he is now running for the seat of county treasurer.

Below is a Q&A with the candidates.

DANNY YOST

Office seeking: Clark County Auditor

Political party: Republican

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Indiana University Southeast

Occupation: Clark County Council, Insurance Industry

Political experience: Sellersburg Town Council 2000 to 2005, Clark County Council 2005 to 2008, 2010 to present

Related pertinent experience: More than 35 years in the private sector with finance and budgeting experience

Website/social media: Danny Yost for Clark County Auditor on Facebook, @YostforAuditor on Twitter, YostforAuditor on Instagram

Q: Why are you qualified for this position?

It would be my experience in business and government. I was elected twice to the Sellersburg Town Council and I am finishing my third term on the Clark County Council. While in office, I was able to eliminate the wheel and vehicle surtax. I also worked with other government leaders to get the county levy changed at the state level. This saves the taxpayers money and balances our budget.

Q: What specific skills and experience will you bring to the position?

The most important asset would be my 35 years of finance and budgeting experience. I would approach the Auditor's office as running a business. My experience on the County Council and working closely with the Auditor's office gives me a fresh perspective of what is important to the office. My commitment has always been for the taxpayers of Clark County, and I will always look out for their best interest.

Q: What are your main goals if elected?

Clark County has made tremendous strides in the Auditor's office and I would continue the success the office has achieved. We can never return to the way the office was prior to the current administration. The Auditor's office is the Chief Financial Officer of the county and I would make sure we utilize every dollar effectively. As your next Auditor I would have all of our council and commissioner meetings on both audio and video on our county website. Transparency and keeping the public informed of what we are doing serves the taxpayers by knowing where your money is going. It is YOUR money.

Q: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses in the office?

The Auditor's office and staff have done a tremendous job. Your employees are the most important asset in any organization and they will always have myself in their corner. In business, I have always had an open door policy, and that will continue. I will continue to always look for ways to improve and utilize programs that are available to increase monies to the county. I really don't see any weaknesses. The entire staff has done an excellent job in looking out for the taxpayers.

Q: What changes would you like to see?

I would like to continue to make the office more efficient and make the office user friendly to the taxpayers. One thing I have learned in my business career is to always take care of the customer. The taxpayers of Clark County deserve someone who is always looking out for them and I will do that every day in the office.

NANCY STEMLER-SHEPHERD

Office seeking: Clark County Auditor

Political party: Democrat

Education: Attended Ball State University

Occupation: Chief Deputy Clerk in Clark County

Political experience: N/A

Related pertinent experience: 33 years of financial management and customer service

Q: Why are you qualified for this position? What specific skills and experience will you bring to the position?

I am in touch with every element of county government, including the intake of revenue and the outflow of disbursements, along with the process in-between with budgets and understanding the inner workings of how government functions from a financial perspective. I will bring credibility on day one. I have a minimum learning curve that will allow me to manage the county's finances in an effective manner.

Q: What are your main goals if elected?

To have an efficient office that represents the citizens of Clark County's best interest when it comes to their tax dollars.

Q: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses in the office? What changes would you like to see?

As auditor, I would like to update the Auditor's website with information of property tax exemptions that are available to property owners that qualify. I would like to show the process of how property tax bills are calculated starting with the assessed valuation down to the dollar amount owed.

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