Benton County Auditor-Treasurer is an elected, nonpartisan public office. Candidate Mary Lewandowski is challenging incumbent Christine Scherbing for the upcoming four-year term.
To ensure fairness, all candidates were given the same word limit per question and the same submission deadline. Responses that exceeded the length constraint were cut off at the limit using ellipses.
Mary Lewandowski
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. My husband, Michael, and I live on a hobby farm in Alberta Township. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Benedict in business administration and completed coursework toward my MBA from St. Scholastica. I spent 15 years in retail management with an emphasis on customer service and over 30 years in human resources and operational leadership. I served as an appointed, then elected city council member for the city of Sartell for five years. I volunteered as treasurer for the Foley JO Volleyball Club for over 10 years. My competencies include: financial/budgeting, leadership operations, communications and compliance.
The auditor-treasurer’s office has many hats. What role does your office play that many constituents may not know of or understand, and how do you intend to educate them on that role during your term? Many county citizens incorrectly assume that the auditor-treasurer’s office establishes their property values and taxes. While the office doesn’t establish them, it is responsible for the collection of the property taxes. I think it is valuable to understand that the office’s primary responsibilities include strong fiscal oversight and public administration. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will endeavor to increase transparency and responsiveness. In my experience, ensuring that, wherever possible, you share the “why” with the response is the singular best way to establish trust and confidence.
Do you have confidence in Minnesota’s elections, and do you support requiring a photo identification at polling places for all voters? Why or why not? I actually have confidence that the majority of the election process in Minnesota is handled in a compliant and honorable manner. However, history has proven that we have had significant fraud in our state. Knowing that, I am incredulous that anyone could argue that allowing the election and voting process to continue without requiring photo identification supports a free and fair election. We readily accept the requirement of photo identification in so many instances such as travel and purchasing alcohol; how can the power of our votes not require it? Similarly, the ability for one individual to vouch for eight others should be eliminated. Voters are increasingly skeptical that election results are authentic. Maintaining necessary guardrails and protecting our elections should be a shared priority.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area? Essential services such as public safety, health and human services, county infrastructure, and election administration have core functions that absolutely should be shielded from cuts, minimum deliverables that are non-negotiable. Beyond that, a dynamic county government with efficient and lean operations should be the ultimate objective.
How do you plan to manage your department, and what will be your policies on hybrid and remote working? In principle and practice, I believe that, while there are some positions that can be done effectively outside of the office, remote or hybrid work should be an exception and absolutely an earned privilege. The auditor-treasurer’s office has critical public-facing responsibilities that require consistent office presence. If elected, I am committed to working in the office, leading by example, ready to roll up my sleeves and assist wherever needed.
Christine Scherbing
Briefly summarize your personal background and qualifications. I am a lifelong Benton County/St. George Township resident, married to my husband, Steve, for nearly 29 years. I am the proud mother of four children and nana to one granddaughter and one grandson. As the current Benton County Auditor-Treasurer, I have increased annual investment earnings by more than $800,000, increased Department of Motor Vehicle revenue, secured election grants and worked with federal officials to bring passport services to the new government center. I also served 12 years as the elected St. George Township clerk and bring more than 15 years of election administration experience to my role.
The auditor-treasurer’s office has many hats. What role does your office play that many constituents may not know of or understand, and how do you intend to educate them on that role during your term? The auditor-treasurer’s office has many responsibilities; most are governed by state statute. Our office collects property taxes and distributes those funds to the state, cities, townships and schools. We also maintain property records, administer elections, issue various licenses and oversee DMV services. One common misconception is that the auditor-treasurer determines property values, sets levies or votes on county decisions. These responsibilities belong to other offices or governing bodies. During my term, I intend to continue reaching out to residents at the counter, explaining their property tax statements and helping them understand exactly where their tax dollars are going.
Do you have confidence in Minnesota’s elections, and do you support requiring a photo identification at polling places for all voters? Why or why not? I have great confidence in Minnesota elections. The amount of preparation and work that goes into the elections is extensive. The pre-testing and public testing of equipment proves that they are secure and accurate. When a public accuracy test is performed, it is in compliance with Minnesota state law. Elections are not one day; they are a season.
I support requiring a photo ID to vote. We need an ID for so many other tasks, why not make it required for one of the most important civic duties? Right now, a voter signs an oath when voting stating they are a resident. It is not until after the vote is already counted that they may be prosecuted if proven not to be a resident. That is too late; we need to be proving we are citizens before being handed a ballot.
Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? And if so, which area? As elected officials, fiscal responsibility is our main concern. Providing essential services, protecting the services residents rely on most and maintaining our roads should always be shielded from cuts. We want to continue to grow as a county and not lose ground on the progress that has been made.
How do you plan to manage your department, and what will be your policies on hybrid and remote working? My expectations are that office operations and public service always come first. We are a very forward-facing public office. I believe in supporting staff, providing ongoing training and ensuring employees have the tools they need to serve Benton County residents. Employees are expected to be available, responsive and accountable for their responsibilities. Adequate in-person coverage is essential, and all staff must be willing to work in the office when business needs require it.
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