Letter to the editor — Dec. 17

Roosevelt should take pride in county workers

I had a unique opportunity last week. I was asked to attend and observe the state-wide recount of New Mexico Land Commissioner votes in Roosevelt County.

That’s when I first met a small band of dedicated servants I think you should know about.

The ladies of the clerk’s office were headed up by Roosevelt County Clerk DeAun Searl and her Chief Deputy Stephanie Hicks. Both were clearly approaching the process with a sturdy, confident, well-designed plan that could only have proceeded from hours and hours of preparation.

Over two days, every decision involved a representative from the clerk’s office and the recount board, every action taken was pressed by the requirements of the law, and every vote was cast. They churned along, like a well-oiled machine.

I learned a lot by watching them — about timing marks, reader heads, optical scans — and I watched as they meticulously counted and counted, remembering always that they were handling their county’s most prized possession: its vote.

The recount was the first of its kind in decades, and it created difficulties in offices all over New Mexico. But not in Roosevelt County. The Roosevelt County Clerk, along with her staff and canvassing crew, were ready.

When all the votes were in, the county’s recount was reconciled to the election-day vote, by an accuracy mark of 99.997 percent. And we all went home.

But here’s what I discovered. In this time — when confidence in our government often seems shaken at its core — the people of Roosevelt County should feel a sense of pride. Because those who serve you on election days take their jobs very, very seriously. As well they should. After all, they are the guardians of Democracy.

Troy Oliver

Clovis