Renier For Clerk-Treasurer
April 25, 2023 at 8:36 p.m.
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I read with interest Retha Hick’s letter to the editor concerning the Winona Lake clerk-treasurer’s race. She is someone who lost her election for this office when the voters for Winona Lake wanted a new direction voted her out and got it.
I am well aware of the differences between the two candidates running for the office of clerk-treasurer, first accepting they are both very nice women.
Heather James is a person who has never worked in a tax-supported public office. She has zero experience doing the complicated functions done in the clerk-treasurer’s office. She served on the Winona Lake Council, often missing meetings or attended on Zoom from home, which was a part-time job. I can see the Town of Winona Lake needing to spend a lot of taxpayer monies to train her to do the job. Council members have suggested “someone” in town could do the job. This makes me harken back to dark days in the clerk-treasurer office speaking through a frosted glass window in the wall. Bad memories!
Laurie Renier, the current clerk-treasurer, took over under very difficult circumstances after the death of the previous office holder. She lacked opportunity to consult on any outstanding questions. It was hit the ground running and do the best you can. She has made mistakes undoubtedly but, honestly, haven’t we all, in starting a new job, with no one to train us. I only know one person who is perfect.
We have someone in the office, currently, with over one year experience. She has done similar work for years in Kosciusko County government. She has also spent town money for additional training in the job. Because of changes, Laurie has asked for a state audit of accounts so taxpayer monies were spent properly, a wise move for every town from time to time.
I am staying with our current clerk-treasurer, enjoying the openness of the office taxpayers need. Thank you, Laurie Renier!
Jerold Nelson
Winona Lake, via email
I read with interest Retha Hick’s letter to the editor concerning the Winona Lake clerk-treasurer’s race. She is someone who lost her election for this office when the voters for Winona Lake wanted a new direction voted her out and got it.
I am well aware of the differences between the two candidates running for the office of clerk-treasurer, first accepting they are both very nice women.
Heather James is a person who has never worked in a tax-supported public office. She has zero experience doing the complicated functions done in the clerk-treasurer’s office. She served on the Winona Lake Council, often missing meetings or attended on Zoom from home, which was a part-time job. I can see the Town of Winona Lake needing to spend a lot of taxpayer monies to train her to do the job. Council members have suggested “someone” in town could do the job. This makes me harken back to dark days in the clerk-treasurer office speaking through a frosted glass window in the wall. Bad memories!
Laurie Renier, the current clerk-treasurer, took over under very difficult circumstances after the death of the previous office holder. She lacked opportunity to consult on any outstanding questions. It was hit the ground running and do the best you can. She has made mistakes undoubtedly but, honestly, haven’t we all, in starting a new job, with no one to train us. I only know one person who is perfect.
We have someone in the office, currently, with over one year experience. She has done similar work for years in Kosciusko County government. She has also spent town money for additional training in the job. Because of changes, Laurie has asked for a state audit of accounts so taxpayer monies were spent properly, a wise move for every town from time to time.
I am staying with our current clerk-treasurer, enjoying the openness of the office taxpayers need. Thank you, Laurie Renier!
Jerold Nelson
Winona Lake, via email
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