Before last May, the idea of being county treasurer had never crossed my mind. While I have been politically involved - I served in the state legislature and have run for a seat on the county commission - this is not a position to which I have ever aspired to or thought of pursuing.

So, as you might imagine, when Robb Slaughter, my predecessor, first approached me about the idea of seeking the appointment, I was shocked.

First of all, Mr. Slaughter had served in that position for the bulk of my life and did a darn good job - it was hard to imagine anyone else in that office.

Secondly, ot...