With the final days of this election event closing in, I would like to offer a few thoughts about the following:

The race between Sue Cahill and David Blom has been an excellent example of fair and civil discourse between the two. Each has much to offer the community. I think the final issue is somewhat beyond both of them — the current makeup of the Iowa house and chances for internal progress on many things Iowa needs. Voters have a choice of how fast some things may get done, giving David Blom a slight edge here. But whomever you vote for, you’re getting honesty and quality for your vote. With the county auditor/recorder election, not so much. With the changes in many processes and the need for many different players to address changes working together, issues arise. Good management works to solve issues. Focus on assigning blame does not provide quality outcomes. Key players at the courthouse have given Nan Benson their support. Voters need to study the motives of those few who have launched an attack in the media. Looking at the past three elections, this pattern is repeated all over again: attack the person, bring in an inexperienced opponent (relative to the position — attack, attack, attack! Vote Nan Benson.