Paid Political Letter - Keep local positions elected

To the editor:

Representative Torrey Westrom should be commended for his hard work in protecting our right to vote at a time many jurisdictions are turning elected offices into appointed occupations.

It saddens me that citizens are losing their voice in deciding who serves as a local auditor or treasurer, etc. These decisions should lie with the people, consistent with our overall system of government. This issue has flown under the radar for too long. Now citizens in a couple dozen Minnesota counties have lost their right to vote for certain offices because of decisions made by a board or the Legislature.

?When officials are elected, the citizens hold their actions accountable. When officials are appointed, they may be more reluctant to challenge the system for fear of retribution. Not so long ago an elected auditor in Morris challenged some expenses that were listed by some county commissioners for a building project. I'm not sure an appointed official would have felt comfortable bucking their superior(s) in voicing their concerns, putting self-preservation over duty.

Torrey Westrom strongly believes in local elections and should be supported on Novemer 2, so he can keep raising awareness to this issue and preserving our right to vote!

Tessa Dutcher

Brandon, MN

(A paid political letter)

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