SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — The current Woodbury County deputy auditor announced Monday that she is running for her boss’s job.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Woodbury County Deputy Auditor Michelle Skaff announced she will be running in the 2024 election for the position of Woodbury County Auditor, Recorder, and Commissioner of Elections. She told Iowa Media Wire earlier that she is running as a Republican.
Skaff said in a release that she believes that elections are about choices and by running, voters will have the opportunity “to elect a dedicated person who has worked hard to educate herself, who has gained practical experience, and who has the desire to provide the best possible service and efficiencies to the public in a transparent, legal, and ethical manner.”
She added that she will ensure the integrity of elections, saying it is of extreme importance to her. She said that she will become proficient in election laws to ensure laws are being “followed to the letter.” Making the election process transparent and that they are carried out in a “fair and impartial way” are also important to maintain election integrity. Skaff said she also welcomes anyone wanted to discuss concerns or opinions on improving the election process.
Election integrity is just one of Skaff’s priorities, adding serving Woodbury County citizens and providing support to the office staff.
“I will serve the needs of the citizens of Woodbury County. I will listen to and address any public concerns regarding the office,” Skaff said. “As Auditor Recorder, I will work to address questions from the public, listen to their concerns, and provide them with valid answers. At all times, I will be honest and transparent with the information.”
The release said Skaff has served in public service for 28 years. She served as a 911 operator at two agencies, worked as a director for a law enforcement intelligence network, and also served as an Emergency Management Coordinator. As deputy auditor, she oversees payroll and accounts payables, preparing the tax roll, clerk to the board, and certifying authorities’ budgets.
Skaff was born and raised in Sioux City, having graduated from West High School before going to Iowa State University to earn an undergraduate degree. She then went to the University of South Dakota and received a Master of Science in Administrative Studies and Ph.D in Political Science.
Skaff will be running against her boss, current Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill, who has held the position since 1997 after being elected in 1996. He announced earlier in January that he would run for the position once again.
“I have nothing but respect for Deputy Auditor Skaff and wish her the best of luck as she works to convince the members of her party that she is the most qualified nominee. It will be business as usual within our office,” Gill said in a statement.
As Gill is a Democrat and Skaff a Republican, the two wouldn’t face each other until the general election on Nob. 5. Before that, they would have to run against any other auditor candidates in their respective parties in the primary election on June 4.
The term for a county auditor in Iowa is four years. Neither candidate has filed for the election yet as the Secretary of State’s website states that filing periods for county offices don’t open until March 4 and run through March 22.