ADEL — Longtime Dallas County Auditor Gene Krumm announced Friday he will retire at the end of his term in 2016.
During his three terms in office over 12 years, Krumm oversaw major changes in the election process, introducing new technology and other equipment needed to keep up with the growing population of Dallas County, the fastest-growing county in Iowa.
“I have enjoyed serving the people of Dallas County immensely,” Krumm said Friday. “It has truly been a dream job. I have had a staff that is dedicated to providing the best possible service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers, and that makes for a win-win situation. The time has come to spend more time with the grandkids and less time shoveling snow.”
Krumm’s announcement was met with praise for his dedicated service and good wishes for his retirement.
“Very little goes on in Dallas County government that does not pass through Gene’s office,” said one county official.
Krumm was eager to stump for his replacement, Dallas County Precinct Election Coordinator Julia Helm.
“I hope all my friends and fellow residents of Dallas County will join me in supporting and electing Julia Helm as my replacement,” he said. “This lady not only has all the qualifications necessary for the job but also the energy and desire needed to take the office into the next decade.”
Helm announced her candidacy for the auditor’s position Friday.
“I have worked with Gene Krumm for seven years,” Helm said, “and when he asked if I would consider running in 2016, I felt proud he thought I was capable of handling the challenges of the auditor’s office. His endorsement of my candidacy means a great deal to me.”
Helm, an Adel resident, has experience in all functions of the auditor’s office, from accounting to drainage districts to her current position in the election office, where she trains and recruits precinct election officials.
“I enjoy working in the auditor’s office with its different types of duties,” Helm said, “but I love working with and training the precinct election officials. They are the critical link to the elections office at the polls on election day.”
Helm will be on the Republican ballot for the June 7 primary election. The 2016 U.S. general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.
