Allison Aichele has brought a significant technological background and skills to the La Plata County Treasurer’s office during her two terms. An office with great complexity, billing, collecting and disbursing tax revenues for major governments and small taxing districts totaling in the 70s. The office relies on attention to detail and familiarity with software.

Aichele had both with her previous high-tech corporate employment, including with Microsoft.

Erin Hutchins has been in the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s office for 11 years, nine as the elections’ administrator under Tiffany Lee. Hutchins grew up with family members who worked in county government. Hutchins has an accounting degree from Fort Lewis College, has been nationally certified in elections management and maintains the high-revenue motor vehicle books. Ask her any question about elections – about 450 ballots were sent out of the area, including overseas, and will be returned by mail, secure link or fax. And if not, the district attorney’s office will investigate – and Hutchins will have the answers.

Hutchins, if elected county treasurer, would slow turnover and encourage longevity in that office and better connect with other county departments. (Aichele admits the turnover, but says it has come from lack of employee skills or motivation. Aichele suggests she sets a high bar for performance.)

The Herald’s editorial board favors electing Hutchins as county treasurer. We expect she can better develop office staffing and interdepartmental communication.