Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey says he won’t run for reelection

For the first time in nearly three decades, Clark County voters will have to choose a new county auditor. Greg Kimsey announced Monday he does not plan to seek another term in office and will finish out his current term Dec. 31.

Kimsey said he thought about leaving office at the end of his previous term four years ago but decided to stay through the 2024 presidential election cycle.

“I am proud to serve a small but important role in supporting that foundation that our country rests on — the elections process,” Kimsey said. “The office is in really good shape. I have an extremely high level of confidence in the directors and staff of each of our departments.”

The recent renovations and expansion of the elections office, which Kimsey oversaw, will see the office through the next 20 years of growth, he said.

Along with serving as the county’s chief financial officer, the auditor also oversees essential county services, such as auto licensing, marriage licenses, internal and performance audits, and recording documents. The auditor works with various state agencies and the Legislature on issues affecting Clark County residents. And, of course, the county auditor oversees and administers all elections.

“It’s a great job. I think it’s the best job in politics,” Kimsey said. “What I really love about the position is the kind of interactions we have with citizens.”

He said he has more direct interaction with county residents than any other elected office.

“Our staff really understands … when they interact with citizens, they have an opportunity to improve citizens’ confidence in their government. And that’s the most important thing we can do,” Kimsey said.

He said he will be watching closely to see who files to run for his office in May and who wins in the November general election.

“You don’t spend … almost 28 years in a position and not care pretty deeply about what happens after you leave. And I do,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence that the voters will choose a qualified and serious person to serve as the next county auditor.”

Looking back over his time in office, Kimsey said there are several accomplishments of which he is especially proud, but the quality of his staff tops the list. He said he knows the office will be in excellent hands after his term ends.

His staff seem to be equally appreciative of Kimsey’s management.

“Greg Kimsey has truly set a high standard during his time as county auditor. After 28 years on the job, it’s safe to say whoever comes next will have some big shoes to fill,” said former elections supervisor Cathie Garber, who retired earlier this year.

Larry Stafford has worked in the county auditor’s office since 2012 and is currently moving into the role of finance director. In that time, he said the office has weathered some difficult periods, including the recovery from the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Kimsey’s guidance has been key to its success, Stafford said.

“He’s willing to discuss or debate as needed different points of view or different information,” Stafford said. “He’s very consistent about his high standards and the work that comes out of the auditor’s office. And he’s hired some really great and talented people.”

Kimsey said he worked to improve election security, integrity and transparency. For any government jurisdiction to be successful, he said voters must be able to trust that election results accurately and fairly reflect their decisions.

He worked with then-Treasurer Doug Lasher and Assessor Ben Gassaway to convince the Legislature to change state law so that the county could create a joint lobby to provide “one-stop shopping” access for the assessor, auditor and treasurer’s offices. It opened in 2003.

“We are the only county in the state of Washington that has that one-stop shopping feature,” Kimsey said.

Garber said it was an honor to work for such an admirable leader.

“Greg built a culture that values service, accountability, accuracy and listening to the community. His example sets the tone for future auditors, showing just how important experience, integrity and a real commitment to the public can be,” she said.

Kimsey may be leaving his role at the county, but he said that doesn’t mean he is retiring. He said he plans to find another outlet to serve the community but doesn’t yet know what that will be. For now, he has another year to keep the auditor’s office running smoothly.