Election results please DeKalb officials

By Paul Brizz

Tuesday’s elections results are in and here’s the scoop.

“Traditionally, we have a low voter turnout (with this type of election). I was expecting about 25 percent of the voters to turn out, so I am very pleased with the 27 percent (or 9,034 voters out of 33,413 registered voters) that did turn out,” DeKalb County Clerk Sharon Holmes said.

“The system ran really smoothly and we are very pleased,” she said.

Although the overall turn out was pleasing, the NIU voter turnout was poor. In District 7, which includes the residence halls, two voters or 2.5 percent, went to the polls. District 6 had 62 voters or 22.5 percent, and District 1 had the highest turn out with 103 voters or about 35 percent.

The voters decided to eliminate the elected position of county auditor and have the duties performed by the current finance director.

“I am very pleased with the vote. It is an indication that voters are looking for an efficient and cost-effective government,” Finance Director Gary Hanson said.

The county board already has been performing the duties of an auditor. The newly-created position would not go into effect until 1992, so there is currently no one in the postion, he said.

“I am delighted by the results of this vote. The present finance director is doing an excellent job,” Finance Chairman George Daugherty said. This position would have cost $100,000 per year had they elected a county auditor, he said.

“This position is best served by a professional who is directly accountable by the board,” County Board Member Thomas Gary said.