Elliott files petition to run for county auditor

(from the Quad City Times)

By Kurt Allemeier | Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Saying he wants to provide more competition and an option outside traditional political parties, a Davenport man will be added to the ballot for Scott County auditor without a party affiliation in November.

Michael Elliott, 32, filed a petition Tuesday with 493 signatures. Even though he is a registered Republican, he will appear on the ballot listed as “nominated by petition.”

He joins Democrat Roxanna Moritz and Republican Steve Aherns on the ballot. The county auditor’s seat is open after the death in April of longtime incumbent Karen Fitzsimmons. Wes Rostenbach, who was appointed auditor after Fitzsimmons’ death, is not seeking election to the post. The auditor position’s salary is $74,200.

Elliott, who runs a computer electronics company out of his home, said he intends to focus his campaign on the need for appropriate checks on the collection and tabulation of votes. He sees the auditor as a stewardship position that shouldn’t be partisan.

He’s heard positive comments about his candidacy from people who want someone outside the two major parties to provide some competition.

“I have support from Republicans and Democrats who aren’t straight-ticket voters,” he said. “There are some people who like seeing the competition.”

He was a volunteer leader in Scott County for Ron Paul’s bid for president. Paul ran as a Republican.

Kurt Allemeier can be contacted at (563) 383-2360 or kallemeier@qctimes.com.