Candidate Profile: Vicki Klein, Dallas County Auditor

You could say Vicki Klein is the proverbial bridesmaid of the Dallas County Auditor's office.

For 23 years, Klein's worked behind-the-scenes in this small county office watching political candidates come and go, employees come and go, as well, and this once little county expand at a frenetic pace.

Through it all, Klein's remained loyal to her supervisors and co-workers, rising in the ranks to eventually become deputy auditor of the Dallas County Auditor's office, the last eight years of which she's worked with her competition - incumbent Auditor Gene Krumm.

"I decided to run because Mr. Krumm kept telling everyone that he was going to retire," said Klein. "I took him to lunch and told him that my intent and desire was to become the next Dallas County Auditor. I had the support of my family and friends - they encouraged me to go for it."

Klein says while it's awkward at times to be working for her opponent, she knows she's doing the right thing.

"There are a lot of things that can be done to turn this office around," she said. "That’s what I think we need. We have to have change. We have to have someone willing to be a leader. I think I have the experience to be that person."

Klein said, if elected, she'll focus on better communications between staff and the media, better overall continuity in the Auditor's office and legislation that requires all voters to have photo identification in order to vote.

Endorsements

In her campaign, Klein has garnered endorsements from several notable Dallas County residents including:

• Matt Schultz, Iowa Secretary of State
• Chad Airhart, Dallas County Recorder
• Chad Leonard, Dallas County Sheriff
• Julius Little, Dallas County Supervisor (retired)
• Carole J. Bayeur-Dawson, Dallas County Auditor (retired)
• Carol Piziali, Dallas County, retired

Campaign Spending

Campaign finance reports filed last week with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board show that Klein's fundraising efforts are paying off.

According to reports, Klein started out her campaign with $3,825.09 cash on hand. After $2,095 in contributions, Klein stood at a total $5,920.09 raised. After expenditures of $4,828.01, she's left with $1,092.08.

Some of Klein's single biggest contributors included:

• Tom Bugbee, Dawson - $200
• Dave Luett, Perry - $200
• Chad Airhart, Waukee - $200
• Julius Little, Perry - $100
• Dean Nelson, Earlham - $100
• Lisa McNeil, Adel - $100

For more information on Vicki Klein, go to her website at www.votevicki.com.