Selections for Athens next auditor in November elections
In the General Election this November, the people of Athens County have a very important local race to decide on: the County Auditor race. In the one corner there is the Athens City Auditor Kathy Hecht, and Incumbent Athens County Auditor Jill Thompson. The choice should be relatively clear, but for those who don't honestly know or have forgotten the past, here are few facts to take with you to the polls this November:
Athens City Auditor Kathy Hecht is part of the old guard of the Democratic Party that Susan Gwinn once ruled over with an iron fist; the same old guard that has no place in Athens County politics anymore. City Auditor Hecht has had too much baggage and conflicts of interest to be elected by us Athenians to the County Auditor seat. Hecht in 2011 was found in violation of Ohio's Nepotism law. Specifically, Ohio Revised Code sections 2921.42(A)(1) and R.C. 102.03(D) by Ohio Ethic Commission because her son was hired into the City Auditor's office during her term, as reported by WOUB and The Post in September of 2011. In addition to this, City Auditor Hecht was also a strong supporter of suspended Sheriff Pat Kelly — though who is innocent until proven guilty — has been one of the most bombastic and controversial political figures in Athens County politics since Susan Gwinn. City Auditor Hecht only distanced herself from Sheriff Kelly once it became impossible not to, with his indictment on over 20 felony counts.
Now, the other choice we have for Athens County Auditor is incumbent Jill Thompson. County Auditor Thompson has run a tight-ship auditor office, which has been extremely effective, transparent and vigilant. It was County Auditor Thompson that raised awareness and halted Sheriff Kelly and Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn from having a bank account outside of the oversight of the Athens County public and government, as reported February 29, 2014 by The Athens NEWS. In addition to County Auditor Thompson's clear defense of transparency and accountability, she has a spotless record with no baggage of corruption, violations of the law, and conflicts of interest. She has maintained a professional and effective office and worked very well in a bipartisan manner with the elected Democratic officials in the County to serve the people of Athens County. Not only has Thompson worked with her Democratic colleagues, but it should also be noted she is the last elected Republican in the County; and we need her because it is dangerous to have a complete monopoly by one party serving their self-interest over the County. Thompson has done what an elected politician should do, and that is to serve the people that she was elected by effectively, transparently and vigilantly.
Vote Jill Thompson for Athens County Auditor this Election Day.
Ibriham Alassaf is an Ohio University alumnus and current Athens County resident.
