Republicans choose Schoonover over party chair for auditor

RED OAK — A divided Republican Party committee chose the current auditor to receive the GOP nomination for a special election for the position over its own party’s chairperson.

Ted Schoonover, who was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to fill Joni Ernst’s remaining term, will appear as the Republican candidate in the April 5 special election.

The 16 Republican delegates chose Schoonover by a 10-5 vote over Committee Chairperson Margaret Stahldorf during a caucus Wednesday night. One delegate abstained from the vote.

After nominating Schoonover, Karen Blue, who is also a member of the County Board of Supervisors, pointed out the Board chose Schoonover to replace Ernst based on his qualifications and six years experience as deputy auditor.

“He was trained and knows what we expect and what the other people in the courthouse expect,” Blue said. “Everything has been going very smoothly with Ted in that position, including the budget which was prepared.”

But Blue said that wasn’t Schoonover’s most redeeming quality.

“Most important for those of us who work in the courthouse and worth with the auditor, we consider him to be a team player,” Blue said.

During his speech to the delegates, Schoonover spoke of his experience working with Ernst, who was elected in January to the Iowa Senate.

“I believe that I am the best candidate to fill this very important position,” Schoonover said. “I have worked in the office for over than six years, getting trained, supported and recommended by our former county auditor, Joni Ernst. On Jan. 20 of 2011, the Board of Supervisors appointed me to be County Auditor, and they are all Republicans.”
Schoonover also talked about the transition to a new auditor.

“The transition has been smooth and transparent and appears nothing has changed,” he said. “During the 7-week period, I have processed payroll, claims, served as the clerk, did land transfers, and have successfully completed the ever so cumbersome county budget. I have also assisted other departments with their budget preparation … and have also provided assistance to township clerks for the development of the proposals of their budget.”

Committee Treasurer Virginia Rasmussen nominated Stahldorf.

 “I have seen her in action with problem solving … and her knowledge and experience with county government would be an asset for all citizens,” she said.

Stahldorf, a former Supervisor, challenged the committee to not take the easy road.

“Status quo, [it is] an interesting statement. It’s comfortable, there are no changes required and you know the next morning what is going to happen,” Stahldorf said. “If we remain static in life, we go backwards, because the world is moving forward… It should not be a situation of what is best for the employees of the county, or even a small interest group, but rather … what is best for the citizens, because county government is spending their money.”

Stahldorf said she believes the auditor’s office can play a more active role in improving the county’s economy.

“It is time we became aggressive and tried to improve the economy of this county,” she said.  “Someone might say that isn’t the auditor’s job. It is the job of everybody in this county. Every citizen, every businessman, every elected official, we need to turn this county around.”

While Schoonover’s name will appear as the Republican candidate in the April 5 election, Stahldorf could still petition to appear on the ballot as an independent or no-party candidate.

She said she would consider her options and talk to supporters in the coming days before deciding if she will continue pursuit of the auditor’s office.

“Don’t count me out yet,” she said.