There are two candidates for Harrison County Auditor this election cyle in Megan Pauley Reffett and Lynn Goodrich. Their Q&As are below.
Name: Megan Pauley Reffett
City/town: Woodbine
Candidate for: County Auditor
Explain who you are:
My name is Megan Pauley Reffett, and I am running for Harrison County Auditor. I was born and raised in Woodbine. My parents are Bruce and Kris Pauley from Woodbine and I currently live in Woodbine with my husband and our two sons. I have worked for Harrison County since 2017 and have been working as a Deputy Auditor for the past two years.
Why did you run for this position?
I have always liked working with numbers and really enjoy accounting. The County Auditor is responsible for a big part of the county’s accounting process, and I like the challenge that comes along with the job. I also enjoy working in the community that I live in. I like being able to help people that I know and meet new people. As the current Deputy Auditor, I look forward to continuing to do something that I enjoy.
What from your background qualifies you for this position?
Prior to working for the county, I interned at a CPA firm and then worked as an accounting clerk for a private company. I started working at the county in 2017 and worked in the County Treasurer's office as a tax clerk for five years. I have been in the Auditor’s office for a little over 2 years and I am currently a Deputy Auditor. Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to attend several classes about elections, payroll, HR, legal descriptions and budgeting, which are all important parts of the Auditor’s job. I have also developed good working relationships with department heads and other county employees, which I feel is essential since the Auditor’s office works closely with other departments.
What are your goals if elected?
Most of what the Auditor does is outlined in Iowa Code and it isn’t at the Auditor’s discretion. I think that our office is run smoothly and there isn’t a lot that I would change. I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship with other offices so that we can all do our best for the citizens of Harrison County. Something that I would like to start is being more active on our elections Facebook page and the county’s website. I think that a lot of people go to these two places for easy information and it’s a great way to help keep the public informed.
Name: Lynn Goodrich
City/town: Logan
Candidate for: County auditor
Explain who you are:
I've been a resident of Harrison County for over 50 years. I grew up in Woodbine and graduated in 1984 from WHS. I married my wife Leana in 1991 and we have two daughters and a son in-law. Ten years ago we moved to an acreage between Logan and Missouri Valley. I'm on the Board of Trustees for St. John's Township and a member of the Harrison County Republican Central Committee. My wife teaches 6-12 vocal music at Missouri Valley and we put on a musical in the summer at our stage, featuring area youth. I have owned and operated Goodrich Tile and Stone for the last 20 years.
Why did you run for this position?
I'm running for this position to serve the citizens of Harrison County and to ensure that our elections are free and honest. I was the Precinct Caucus Captain for President Trump and fully support his plan for elections; one vote, one day, photo ID, and paper ballots that are hand counted with no machines. Running elections is one of the most important tasks that the auditor performs and so I would be a strong advocate for the implementation of his plan.
What from your background qualifies you for this position?
I studied accounting for four years. I am very detail oriented, and every job I have ever had, I had to learn on the job, from building 18th century museum quality reproduction cabinets, working at a packing house, selling cars, to many different jobs in the construction industry. I have worked with the public for the past 25 years, starting a business with nothing and built it up to a successful operation. I realize that there will be many new things to learn in this position, but as a quick learner I'm sure I will be able to perform all the duties required.
What are your goals if elected?
As a complete newcomer to Harrison County government, I would want to make the transition as smooth as possible. I want to be an advocate for the people, make the auditor's office a place where the entire public feels welcome, and make sure that there is no maladministration going on in our elections.
