Controller faces off against political newcomer
Mike Namie says he has built a solid record of success during his almost 12 years as Washington County controller, and wants to continue that for another four years.
But the Democratic incumbent faces a Republican challenger making her first run for public office in the Nov. 5 general election. Angela Carrier of Peters Township said she will use her skills as a small business owner to oversee the county’s spending.
“The controller is the voice, is the watchdog for the taxpayers of Washington County,” said Namie, of Canton Township. His office approves payment for virtually every purchase the county makes, and ensures that the terms of vendor contracts with the county are met.
“My office is audited annually, and every year my office has been given the most favorable opinon allowed under those regulations,” Namie said. “My record proves I’m willing 100 percent of the time to make tough, correct decisions in the interest of Washington County taxpayers.” He said he has the qualifications needed for the job, a “vast understanding” of accounting and tax regulations and has operated the office almost $300,000 under budget.
Carrier, a travel agent, said she was asked to run for controller by some conservatives, and after some thought decided to take on the campaign.
“I’m a small business owner. If I don’t handle my business, it’s going to go south. It’s the same thing. I can take those business practices and use them in county government,” she said.
She said she would also be an advocate for the taxpayer.
“I would only allow expenditures permitted under county code. I have a great deal of determination in being the watchdog of Washington County tax dollars.”
With the county just signing an almost $7 million contract with Tyler Technologies to conduct the first countywide reassessment since 1981, both Namie and Carrier said they would be monitoring the progress to make sure the terms of the agreement are met.
“That’s a part of the office, to do checks and balances and make sure things are held accountable in the right way,” Carrier said.
“We will play the role of watchdog in any expenditure that the commissioners have contracted for, and Tyler Technologies will be no different. We will audit the invoices when they are received, and payment will not be made until the services have been provided correctly,” Namie said.
Carrier said if elected she would like to improve the transparency of the office, putting all government spending on the county website, making it easy to find information there, and sending out periodic email newsletters and updates to residents.
“If more people know what is going on in their local government, they are more likely to be active and participate,” she said.
Namie said the budget and audit are online, and he fills hundreds of requests for financial information. However, he said the actual accounting system can’t be put online due to security concerns.
Carrier recently was found guilty of a summary harassment charge stemming from a custody matter. She said her personal life should not be part of the campaign.