Clark County voters will choose a new county auditor in November after longtime auditor Greg Kimsey announced he would not seek re‑election. The race has narrowed to two candidates: Mitchell Kelly, a current county employee, and former Vancouver City Councilor Ty Stober.
Title questioned by reform group
An opinion piece published by Reform Clark County founder Rob Anderson raised concerns about Kelly’s use of the “deputy county auditor” title in campaign materials. Anderson noted that Kelly’s primary election pamphlet listed the designation, and he asked how the title might have helped Kelly surpass well‑known opponents Ty Stober and State Representative Sharon Wiley.
County officials explain the designation
Greg Kimsey responded to the inquiry, confirming that Kelly’s official title has not changed. Kimsey said Kelly is one of roughly 40 county employees who serve as deputy county auditors. The county’s Human Resources department also confirmed that Kelly has been employed by the county since 2016, holding positions as Management Analyst (2016), Policy Analyst (2018) and Administrative Service Manager III (since 2019). No records show a title change to deputy auditor after 2019.
Kimsey explained that the deputy auditor role is assigned by him through an oath of office, allowing staff to perform auditor duties when he is unavailable. “I deputize employees as deputy county auditors so that they may carry out county auditor responsibilities when I’m not available,” Kimsey told Clark County Today.
Kelly’s response
Kelly replied by email that it was never his intention to mislead voters about his experience. He reiterated that at a League of Women Voters forum in July he introduced himself as having worked in the auditor’s office for ten years as “Deputy County Auditor and Reporting and Analysis Manager.” Kelly emphasized that his current responsibilities include both the deputy auditor function and the reporting and analysis manager role.
Context for voters
The clarification comes as the county’s auditor’s office prepares for a transition. The office comprises four departments, each with its own deputy auditors, located in separate buildings. Voters will consider each candidate’s experience, management style, and vision for the office when casting ballots on November 5.
Both candidates have filed the required paperwork with the Washington Secretary of State and will appear on the ballot. The county’s election officials have not indicated any violations of election law related to the title usage.
What’s next
As the campaign enters its final weeks, local media will continue to monitor the race for any further questions about qualifications, campaign finance disclosures, and policy positions. Voters are encouraged to attend upcoming candidate forums, review each candidate’s statements, and verify information through official county resources.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
