New question about the county auditor to appear on the McLean County ballot

NORMAL, Ill. –  A unique feature of the McLean County ballot this election season is the question of whether or not the county auditor will continue to be an elected position. Chair of the McLean County Democrats Patrick Cortesi, and McLean County Board member Elizabeth Johnson gave their thoughts on what they believe will be best for the county. 

“I would suggest that you vote yes to not make it an elected position,” Cortesi said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t want an auditor. Of course we need an auditor. But we’d rather have it be an appointed position. So that way we can do some interviews. We can hire the best person with the best qualifications. And if they don’t do the job, we fire them.”

Cortesi also gave insight on how previous auditing mistakes have  effected the residents of McLean County.

“There’s some vendors that have not gotten paid in a timely fashion. And that’s a problem that costs the county money,” Cortesi said. “And when things cost the county money that cost gets, you know, passed down to those of us who live here in the county.”

Johnson noted that the position has existed for over a century, and has evolved greatly since it’s inception. 

“The qualifications for this position has not been updated, so what we’re looking at is a position that you need to be 18 and not a felon,” Johnson said. “Most counties have a hired or an appointed position where they can set qualifications if they want someone with some sort of certification in accounting and auditing itself.” 

Whether the auditor position will stay on the ballot will be decided with today’s election