Benson says she is qualified for clerk and recorder

Letter to the Editor:

This correspondence is in response to the Letter to the Editor dated Aug. 19.

I have lived in Libby for over 35 years, raised my family here, and plan to stay and retire in this beautiful place I am proud to call home. I worked at the Stimson plywood mill for 14 years until it shut down. I attended college full time for two years.  

I have an associate in applied science degree from the Lincoln County campus and have completed an office administration course from business college. Both included courses in accounting.  

I have worked in all areas of the Clerk and Recorders office approaching 10 years including accounting, elections, recording legal documents, duplicating plat maps and surveys to scale, writing commissioner minutes and assisting two clerk and recorders.

I have completed all department wage reports for use in preliminary budget discussions. I have attended numerous election trainings through the Montana Secretary of State’s office and other government trainings have included topics on subdivision regulations, human resources, public comment period, office management and budget development. I have advanced knowledge in the Excel software program. All budget spreadsheets are done using Excel.

It has been widely publicized that over taxation has occurred in the general budget and district budgets, resulting in loss of county jobs, and decreased public services.  All budgets are prepared by the clerk and recorder. County commissioners have stated they have not seen district budgets.  

It will be my duty to effectively communicate all budget information to the commissioners and public well in advance of final adoption; this is where public comment should be solution-oriented.  It will be my duty to be responsible with taxpayer money. Raising taxes should always be the last resort after all other options have been exhausted.

There is a problem and public trust has been lost. I believe this is the fault of the county system becoming too complacent and not paying enough attention to detail.  With a strong work ethic and a sincere passion to serve the public, I know that I have the ability to help make a positive difference in county government.  

So, yes, I am qualified to be the next clerk and recorder.     

—Robin Benson, Libby