Pasco: Candidate replies

David Clark has precisely what the Tax Collector's Office needs -- honest, forthright leadership. Hap Clark's program of better customer service, increased fiscal accountability, and a return to professionalism is right on target.

With better customer service, residents will be processed faster and more courteously. His plan to fight for five-year registration renewals will save residents time and money, and bringing professionalism to the office is long overdue. No employee should feel harassed or abused by management.

Mike Olson, the current 20-year incumbent, is facing five ethics complaints accusing him of abuse of employees and misusing his office for political purposes. It has been said that the five ethics complaints against Mr. Olson are not realistic because one former employee, Mr. Clark's daughter, was treated honorably and said so. This is specious logic. On this type of reasoning, if one veteran had come forward and said the D-Day was an easy battle, it would mean all the recollections of all other veterans of the difficulty of it were untrue. Of course that is ridiculous! And the same applies here. Mike Olson's arrogance about the charges is typical of someone who is a 20-year incumbent.

The Times logic is plain silly and it is a disgrace to all those who come forward to blow the whistle on Mr. Olson. Our hats are off to those women and men who were brave enough to come forward, even in the face of the Times dismissing so tritely their claims. Hopefully, on Sept. 5, their courage will be rewarded by the voters.

David Clark is the right person for the right job right now. Pure and simple.

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