Mary Mason-Wheeler
by Discover Muscatine Staff
September 23, 2020

Office Sought: Muscatine County Auditor

Political Party: Independent

Candidate email address: masonwheeler2020@gmail.com

Candidate Website: http://masonwheelerforauditor.com

Campaign Committee: Mason-Wheeler for County Auditor

Educational Background

NameCityStateYearsDiploma/Degree Earned
Muscatine High SchoolMuscatineIAClass of 1998General
Muscatine Community CollegeMuscatineIA2013-2015AA
Upper Iowa UniversityFayetteIA2019-PresentBA Communications/Graphic Design

Employment History

EmployerJob TitleStart DateEnd DateBrief Job Description
UltimateTax ServiceCustomer Support Manager01/01/201802/28/2020Manage and oversee the daily operation of a customer support call center, focusing on customer service and communication.
Prairie CommunicationsAdministrative Assistant, Office Manager, News Director, Creative Director08/15/201512/28/2017Oversee general office administration, oversee and produce daily news for two local radio stations, manage billing and payments, oversee the production of a weekly direct mail newspaper, manage a team of reporters, photographers, and designers to ensure production each week

Why are you running for election?

I have been serving as a precinct official for over 8 years, with 6 of those serving as the precinct captain.
I first became involved in serving at the elections when I was still a full-time stay at home mother to my four children, now all teenagers and young adults. Serving at the election as a precinct official was a great opportunity to become more involved in the local community.

What are the 3 most important issues facing your office over the next term?

IssueWhy is this important?How will you address this issue?
CommunicationLocal communities need to be aware what elected officials and public offices are doing with their tax dollars. In our current society, transparency and accountability are paramount to public trust.I believe that communication between any public office and the public is incredibly important. I would like to partner with local media sources to increase public awareness of the responsibilities and duties of the auditor’s office. In addition to using social media to reach the largest amount of residents possible.
Community ParticipationLocal elections impact every aspect of our lives, from the roads that we drive on to the schools that our children attend. Many voters become involved during the presidential election season and are not aware of the impact the local elections can have.As we have seen in previous elections, voter turn out is highest during the presidential election season. I would like to work to engage voters to become involved in the local elections as well, the city council and school board elections. Educating on the impact to the community.
Voter RegistrationIowa offers same day registration, which is a great tool to allow the most number of voters to be able to have their say. Many young adults are not registered and/or do not understand the election process.I would like to work with local high schools and the college to increase first time voter registration and the help explain the election process. Young people who are informed citizens and feel involved in their community are a benefit to us all.

What are the 3 most important issues facing Muscatine County over the next term?

IssueWhy is this important?How will you address this issue? (if applicable)
TransparencyTransparency creates a feeling of trust between the office and the public. When the public feels that they are receiving all relevant information, they can believe that elected officials are acting within their best interestOne of the responsibilities of the office is to act as clerk for the County Board of Supervisors. The minutes are published regularly, though many residents are not aware of how to find them. I will work to make them readily and easily available to all.
Voter EducationAs we know, knowledge is power. Residents who are informed on the process are able to make their voices heard at every step of the political process. The more voices that are heard in the process, the better representation we receive of the county and area that we live in.Many residents who would like to become involved in the political process simply do not know where to start. Partnering with organizations such as the League of Women Voters is a great way to provide education and resources on how people can become involved.

What is the most important thing you would like voters to know about you that they may not?

I believe that the best leaders are those who are able to place and keep competent, capable indiviuals in the correct roles to complete the desired task. I look forward to working alongside the existing staff of the Auditor’s office to continue the work they are currently doing.

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