Meet the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer candidates

ST. CLOUD ― The St. Cloud Times asked the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer candidates four questions about themselves and their goals if elected to office Nov. 8. Answers may be edited for length and clarity.

In the Benton County Commissioner race incumbent Ed Popp is running unopposed in District 2 and incumbent Steve Heinen is running unopposed in District 3. Sean Gitch and Christine Scherbing are running for the Benton County auditor-treasurer position after getting the most votes in the Primary Election.

Learn more about how to register to vote and see who is on your ballot at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/.

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Why are you running for office?

Gitch said, "I believe our elected officials should be held to the highest standards. I think my financial background in the military, with my current law enforcement background, will help assure residents they can have an auditor-treasurer who has a proven experience in public service and has served with integrity. I believe a change in leadership at the auditor-treasurer’s office was needed."

Scherbing said, "I am running for office because I believe Benton County residents deserve an honest, well-rounded individual to be their next auditor-treasurer."

What experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this position?

Gitch said, "I worked as a financial management technician (AFSC 6F051) in the United States Air Force for four years of active-duty service. In the Air Force, I worked in military and travel pay, audited travel vouchers and military pay documents and served as a certifying official. I also worked in customer service, collected debts and recovered money for the government after conducting a housing audit. I have over 15 years of law enforcement experience. These responsibilities have required me to collect evidence, conduct interviews, write subpoenas and search warrants, report findings, research laws and testify in court. The auditor-treasurer is responsible for performing various duties, including serving as chief election officer, collecting funds owed to the county, working with members of the public and researching and following laws. From reading and following laws to collecting funds to being entrusted to ensure compliance with laws, I believe the combination of my financial and law enforcement background will benefit the auditor-treasurer position."

Scherbing said, "I have spent the past 10-plus years elected to the St. George Township board as clerk, which in turn gave me the title of head election judge. As the clerk of St. George Township I am the contact person for all inquiries which has allowed me to have good relationships with the Benton County Assessor, Land Services, Highway Department, Sheriff, County Administrator and County Board.  All of these departments work closely with the auditor-treasurer. In 2020, I worked in the Benton County Auditor-Treasurer office assisting in the processing of the mail-in ballots. So I have worked meticulously with all of the employees in the auditor-treasurer office. I have been on the Benton County Broadband Committee for over a year now, which works jointly with the County Board."

What are some important issues you’d focus on if elected?

Gitch said, "I would focus on ensuring Benton County elections continue to run smoothly. I believe the county has good information on the website to inform voters. Still, I would like to continue to find ways to ensure more residents are aware and able to obtain the correct information on election laws and the process. After receiving public feedback, I will focus on improving customer service. I plan to do this by gathering input from residents, employees and other stakeholders to identify the changes needed. I will be open to modifications or changes required to ensure customer service remains a priority. I also plan to improve the working relationship between the office and other departments in the county. An improved relationship will provide more efficient service to residents. Software will need to be purchased next year for the office. I will rely on feedback from employees experienced in using the current software and systems to ensure the office adopts the most optimum system for service to the county."

Scherbing said, "Election integrity. As citizens we deserve secure and safe elections. As a head election judge I have the experience of working in the polls directly with voters and for the past 10 years have heard concerns that they have. Working in the auditor-treasurer's office during the presidential election of 2020 gave me hands-on experience with the mail-in ballot process. I believe we need to revert back to the way absentee voting was, you needed a reason.  Administering ballots into the hands of the public can only allow for imperfections of the system. I am also a firm believer of having to provide a photo ID to vote."

What should voters know about you?

Gitch said, "If elected, I will follow the Air Force's core value of 'integrity first,' which means doing the right thing when no one is looking. I think this should be a priority for all public servants. Without integrity, residents will not have faith in the election process. I will surround myself with people who tell me what I need to know, not what I want to hear. I will also take ownership of the mistakes I make. I know this will not be an easy role to fill if I am elected. I believe there will be many long hours working from home and the office, including weeknights and weekends. I think the long hours of working in law enforcement and my experience working full-time while attending college and being a single parent demonstrate my ability to dedicate myself to the challenges I take on. Although I am not a lifelong resident of Benton County, I have lived and worked here for over 15 years. I believe veterans, children of veterans and other citizens can serve their communities also. My son graduated from high school in Sauk Rapids and currently serves in the Air Force. I want people like him to know they are welcome to serve in communities even if they weren’t born in the area or state."

Scherbing said, "I am a lifetime resident of Benton County. I'm a homeowner and property tax payer. I have been a small business owner in the county for over seven years. I have been married for 25 years and have four children. I have worked hard for St. George Township residents for over 10 years and I will work equally as hard for the residents of Benton County."

Becca Most is a cities reporter with the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-241-8213 or bmost@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter at @becca_most. 

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This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Who is running for office in Benton County?