Rival accuses Lucas County auditor of outsourcing jobs

10/13/2010

Brandishing copies of contracts made between the auditor's office and firms in Findlay and Dublin, Ohio, over the last three years, Ms. Kaczala charged her opponent with squandering money and local talent.

“I think it's an insult to men and women who are desperately looking for jobs in Lucas County and Toledo,” Ms. Kaczala said. “She's outsourcing and there's never a reason to outsource in Lucas County with the unemployment rate that we have.”

The contracts, which date between 2007 and 2009, amount to a total of $244,150 paid to out-of-county experts for assessment and auditing services, the preparation of financial reports, and assistance with reviewing complaints over property valuations.

Ms. Lopez responded to The Blade's request for an interview with a written statement from her campaign office Wednesday evening. A spokesman for Ms. Lopez's campaign said the auditor could not immediately be reached for comment. In the statement, Ms. Lopez did not directly address Ms. Kaczala's outsourcing complaints but stated that her office is “committed to hire citizens and companies both locally and in the State of Ohio.”