I am responding to the absolutely most inaccurate and false statements from letters to the editor and articles that I have ever experienced. For example, the article that implied that another candidate was a “good friend” of mine is misleading and not accurate.

The treasurer is responsible for collecting property taxes and for investing all county, 51 junior taxing districts, and school funds. Investments made by the treasurer from 1996 to 2002 resulted in interest received in excess of $22 million. In 2001, 99.4 percent of those billed property taxes were collected, which is a record. Those records are available for review.

The Island County Treasurer’s Office has been functioning outstandingly with one of the most stringent financial controls of any county in the state. An extremely well managed accounting system is in place. There are detailed audit trails for every part of the office including cash handling. The cashier has been in that position for over 15 years without a penny unaccounted for during that time.

There are less employees in the treasurer’s office now than in 1986. The staff are at a pay grade considered the best in the county for like positions and that is well deserved by each employee.

As treasurer I found the inappropriate Holmes Harbor situation and notified the Island County Prosecutor, state auditor, and attorney general, who took the actions they considered necessary.

I have also been involved in many other areas in the county such as the reorganization of North Whidbey Help House and United Way of Island County. I was one of the founders of WAIF, NOAH, the Wildlife Care Clinic and Street Kids USA. The question of my stamina has been raised. During my years as treasurer I have only taken time from the office for professional meetings and I run my 60-pound dog every evening.

I have the proven ability, integrity, and knowledge to represent taxpayers, and would like to continue to carry out the financial responsibilities as Island County Treasurer, especially during this time of diminishing county revenues from the state and other areas.

Maxine Sauter

Island County treasurer