By Ghost of John Brown
Normally, a County Auditor’s race wouldn’t generate much attention for a statewide blog like Illinois Review. This one might deserve your attention because Laura Wallett is not just your average grassroots volunteer.
After the “rant heard around the world” by Rick Santelli of CNBC, many of us were inspired and motivated. Laura put that energy into motion. She sought out others, and even though she lives in South Elgin, she hooked up with other volunteers in Naperville to help start the Naperville Tea Party group. They held their first rally on April 15, 2009 and hundreds showed up. From that start, she helped set up the Conservative Precinct Committeeman’s Group in late 2009 and then in 2010 became a leader in the St. Charles 9/12 organization. From there she helped set up 9/12 organizations in both Aurora and Elgin.
When the elections came around last year, Laura was a stalwart for now Congressman Randy Hultgren’s campaign. Her and her family walked 13 precincts in Elgin, hung 7,000 door hangers and made 16,000 calls.
Last year, she was the Kane County Coordinator for Americans for Prosperity. Joe Calomino, the Illinois Director for Americans for Prosperity had this to say about Laura:
“Laura’s embraced activism like no other person in her region. She has proven leadership qualities and a real commitment to her fiscally conservative values. Laura just doesn’t talk the talk…she actually walks the walk. There’s no doubt in my mind that she will be a strong an independent advocate for the Kane County taxpayers.”
From that background, Laura has made the decision to step up and be part of the solution and is running for Kane County Auditor. That background would probably be enough for many to support Laura, but in addition to her efforts for others, it’s hard to think of a more technically qualified person to run for Auditor. Her press release outlines some of those qualifications:
Laura Wallett, President of R&L Accounting, Inc., announced today that she will seek the Republican nomination for Kane County Auditor in the 2012 General Primary Election. The announcement comes after encouragement from supporters, family, and friends.
“Many challenges lie ahead and county government needs to tighten its belt. We need to elect good leaders who will make smart choices for our communities. Now is a time when we need experience and leadership that can advocate for the taxpayer. When the government takes money from a taxpayer, they have a duty to spend that money wisely. As auditor I promise to serve the citizens of Kane County and all my efforts will go toward better utilization of our tax dollars”.
Laura has served as Treasurer for the Robin Glen Home Owners Association since 2007. She is member of Geneva Women in Business and is active in promoting policies that help small business. “I believe small business is the backbone of our economy, and government policy should encourage business and job growth, not hurt it”.
Laura and her husband, Rick reside in South Elgin. They are members of Christ Community Church, and have a son at St. Charles North and daughter at Corron Elementary. Laura is an active member of the Elgin Township Republican Party, serving as Precinct Committeeman.
The Kane County Auditor performs internal audit functions for the County and maintains a continuous audit of its operations and financial records. The Auditor also assists with the implementation of recommendations for improvement in operations and ensures that all departments are in compliance. In addition to this, the Auditor reviews disbursements to ensure they are properly authorized.
Taxpayers will be well served with Laura working to monitor the finances of the County. For more information, click here for Laura’s website.
