To the Editor Recent campaign comments describing the Stevens County Auditor’s Office as a “toxic workplace” does not reflect my experience. I worked in the Stevens County Auditor’s Office from January through May 2026. During that time, I found the staff to be professional, courteous, and committed to serving the public. Employees worked together as a team, willingly sharing knowledge and helping one another to ensure the work was done accurately and efficiently. I also observed leadership that set clear expectations, trusted well-trained employees to do their jobs, and held everyone to consistent professional standards. Good leadership is not about micromanaging every task; it is about building a capable team, accepting responsibility for difficult decisions, and maintaining accountability. Those decisions aren’t always easy or popular, but they are necessary. The Auditor’s Office is responsible for far more than administering elections. It serves as the county’s chief financial office, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, public records, and numerous other legal responsibilities that affect every county department. That role requires proven financial expertise, careful stewardship of public funds, and a commitment to accuracy and compliance. Like any workplace, not every employee will leave with the same perspective. Individuals who were dissatisfied or struggled to meet expectations may understandably have a different opinion. My own experience, however, was one of respect, teamwork, and dedication to public service. As voters evaluate the candidates for county auditor, I hope they will consider firsthand experiences like mine and remember the broad financial and administrative responsibilities entrusted to this office.
Sincerely, Angelica Perazzo