In response to recent articles regarding Sharon Trask’s resignation, Mason County Auditor Steve Duenkel made the following statement during Tuesday’s Mason County Commission meeting: (Click here for to watch)
I am sorry Sharon Trask is experiencing serious health problems, and I sincerely wish her a full recovery. At the same time, my responsibility as Auditor remains to carry out the duties of my office and follow Washington law.
Sharon Trask is entitled to her opinions. But because her letter makes claims concerning actions I took as Mason County Auditor, the public deserves the facts and appropriate context.
The Voter Challenge Was Not Initiated By Me
The voter-registration challenge against Commissioner Trask was filed by a private citizen based on allegations concerning her residency. I did not initiate it.
Once a challenge is submitted, Washington law establishes a process for handling it. My responsibility is to administer that process fairly and consistently.
During the process, Commissioner Trask submitted a Voter Registration Cancellation form requesting that her registration be canceled. I processed her request. She was then no longer registered to vote, affecting the voter-registration requirement for eligibility to hold local public office.
Had Sharon Trask not moved, there would have been no basis for this particular challenge.
Our office typically handles 10 to 20 voter-registration challenges each year. My obligation remains the same: follow the law, evidence, and process.
I Did Not Force Commissioner Trask To Resign
Commissioner Trask asked me to recuse myself, but state law does not allow me to delegate that responsibility. The challenge was initiated by a citizen, and administering it was simply my duty as Mason County Auditor.
Financial Warnings Were Based On Financial Data
Commissioner Trask also disputes warnings I raised regarding Mason County’s financial condition.
My concerns were based on budget numbers available at the time. Those projections, subsequent financial results, and underlying budget documents are public records. The Board of County Commissioners is now considering scenarios to reduce spending in response to the county’s financial condition.
Questions about county finances should be resolved by examining those records, not through personal accusations.
I Will Continue To Follow The Law And Public Record
Political disagreements can become personal. I will not respond in kind.
When a voter challenge is filed, I will follow the law and established process. When I identify financial concerns, I will report what the numbers show. When claims are made about my actions, I will rely on the public record.
People do not have to agree with every decision I make. But they deserve the facts necessary to judge those decisions for themselves.
— Steve Duenkel, Mason County Auditor