Published: October 30, 2009 07:52 am      

Crowell has much to offer voters

Otsego County is fortunate to have two qualified, talented individuals running for county treasurer.

Republican Ed Keator has 30 years of experience crunching numbers and balancing budgets for businesses, nonprofits and the county government.

His opponent, Democrat Dan Crowell, has traveled the world working on economic development and financial planning projects for private and nonprofit organizations.

There is no doubt that either men could handle the responsibilities of the treasurer's office. The question is what role we want the county treasurer to fulfill.

Keator has pointed out that his background in accounting sets him apart from his opponent. We are certain that Keator is well-qualified to ensure that the county's budget is balanced, that its bills are properly calculated and that it is able to avoid the confusion of 2006.

But if we want the treasurer to do more than just number-crunching _ if we want a treasurer who will look at the big picture of the county's finances and offer creative solutions _ we must endorse Dan Crowell as the stronger candidate.

It's no secret that times are tough, financially speaking, at the county level. Even now, county board members are struggling to craft a budget that can continue to deliver needed services without burdening taxpayers or slashing jobs.

Both candidates have offered suggestions about what the county could do to wrangle the budget into line, as well as sharing their views about the role of the treasurer. We were impressed with Crowell's dedication to common-sense steps the treasurer's office could take, as well as big-picture issues.

Among Crowell's suggestions were simple tasks such as preparing financial summaries going back 10 years, and projections looking forward five years. As Crowell told The Daily Star's editorial board, creating these reports wouldn't cost the treasurer's office any money, only elbow grease.

Crowell also seemed eager to take an active role as treasurer, advising the board on the financial impact of its decisions on issues from MOSA to the Manor. While some have suggested that this would overstep the bounds of the treasurer's role, we disagree. We see nothing wrong with the treasurer providing input to the board to enable it to make more-informed decisions about how county services are provided and how taxpayer money is spent.

While both candidates have plenty to offer the county, Crowell brings more to the role of treasurer, and would serve the office well.