She referenced a letter from one of my supporters that did not make clear the circumstances under which I received the Gold Key Award from the Colorado Society of CPAs. Yonker correctly pointed out that I received the Gold Key Award for earning the highest GPA in accounting from Fort Lewis College in my graduating class. Yonker said that I am neither an accountant nor a CPA. I have never claimed to be a CPA, but I have had my MBA for 24 years, and I am an experienced, professional accountant. As an accountant, I put myself through college, earning my first B.A. and have continued to use those skills throughout my career.

Yonker dismissed the precipitous drop in La Plata County revenue as “recession data.” On July 24, The Durango Herald reported “Property-tax revenue down by half since 2010.” Our county is projecting a $10 million shortfall in the 2015 budget. The financial pressures we currently face are very real and not some recession relic. While the treasurer cannot change the revenue decline, that person can cut costs through improved efficiencies and employing more sophisticated investment strategies to provide better returns on our county’s portfolio. Both of these require professional financial experience.

Yonker also said it is “logistically impossible” for me to have knocked on 6,000 doors and be gainfully employed. To date, I have knocked on more than 6,500 doors and put in 170 hours doing so. I started on Mother’s Day in May. I have spent, on average, two hours each day since then reaching out to the voters of La Plata County. A person working full time can accomplish this effort if they are motivated. And I am.

Allison Morrissey

Hesperus