During my 17 years of service in public financial management as an auditor, consultant, finance director and accounting manager, I have worked with more than 100 elected officials. None has done more to earn my professional respect than Pacific County Commissioner Pat Hamilton, who is running for County Auditor.

During my recently completed second tenure as chief accountant in the Pacific County Auditor’s Office, I witnessed first hand the many reasons for the unnecessary employee turnover that did not exist under the administration of the previous auditor. I believe a sincere desire to make a difference has drawn Pat Hamilton into the race for this important office.

The citizens of Pacific County are very fortunate to have an elected official whose sense of duty leads to leaving the limelight of being county commissioner to run for county auditor. Pat Hamilton understands the challenges the next auditor will face, and has the experience, decency, commitment, and gumption to get things turned around. She will run the office in a fair and economical manner.

Ed Erickson

Crescent City, Calif.