County money: County treasurer is doing fine

Don’t quit your day job, Rick, you’ll never make it as a “fair and balanced” reporter (“Treasurer’s race gets third candidate,” July 27 Whidbey News-Times, by Rick Levin). Your byline should have read, “paid political announcement.”

I do admire Marty Matthews’ candor in admitting his attachment to Boeing. As a financial analyst in the office of the Secretary of Defense under Schlesinger and Rumsfeld, I saw the slimy maneuvers of Boeing and their defense contractor cohorts upclose and personal. If that’s the style of financial wizardry and shenanigans you want for Island County, here’s your chance!

“Utilize technology to gain productivity” in our Treasurer’s Office? It’s one of the few places left on the planet where you can speak with a real person on the telephone. Of course, computer technology does provide for “inventive” accounting procedures — how else could ENRON and Anderson have hidden their cozy network of fraud and deceit? And when it comes to bowing to the wishes of those micromanaging bureaucrats from Olympia … if you’ve had the misfortune to meet some of those cradle-to-grave freeloaders, you already know their arrogance is exceeded only by their ignorance.

Give ‘em hell, Maxine! Send ‘em back to their luxury suites in the state Auditor’s office with their laptops between their knees — and keep our Treasurer’s Office accountable to the good citizens of Island County.

As to Mr. Matthews’ professed friendship with Mrs. Sauter — I doubt it! Maxine’s the widow of one of America’s fallen military heroes, and an excellent judge of character.

Dr. Richard Schaffert

Oak Harbor

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.