LETTER FROM FORMER CHIEF ELECTION OFFICIAL OF HENNEPIN COUNTY
October 16, 2006
In November Minnesotans will be voting for a candidate in a race that is a little different than most of the other races. That is the race for secretary of state. One important difference is that this is really not a governance office, but rather a professional administrative office. The successful candidate must be an effective administrator.
But even more important, there is a yet another difference. Because one of the most important duties of this office is overseeing elections in Minnesota, it is vitally important that this office be insulated and protected from partisan politics. Unfortunately, for the past eight years, we have had a secretary who is not only a very poor administrator, but one who has put partisan politics above good election administration. I know, because as a county auditor and chief county election official for quite a number of years, partisanship and poor administration in the secretary of state's has been very frustrating, not only for me, but for nearly every other county auditor in the state as well.
This frustration has let me to strongly back Mark Ritchie as our next secretary of state. He has a good administrative track record that will put Minnesota voters above partisan politics.
But don't just take my word for it. I encourage citizens to contact their county auditor or local elections office and seek their recommendation for this very important election. Please do not simply vote for the incumbent because you do not know much about the office or candidates.
Patrick O'Connor, Hennepin County Auditor/Treasurer, Retired