Search

Scott County honors late auditor

Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size

By Kurt Allemeier | Friday, August 22, 2008 |

Former Scott County Auditor Karen Fitzsimmons was posthumously honored Thursday with a plaque and kind words.

Fitzsimmons, who died in April, was honored with a plaque commemorating a speech made in June by U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“From her first day in office to her last, she brought integrity and professionalism to government,” said part of the speech, read by Pete DeKock, Braley’s district director. “Under Karen’s leadership, Scott County elections were fair, transparent and inclusive.

“Citizens trusted Karen because they were confident she would count and report every vote in every election,” read the speech. “She set a standard for ethics and integrity in elections to which other counties in Iowa aspire.”

DeKock apologized that Braley couldn’t attend the meeting as he presented a plaque with the speech as it appeared in the Congressional Record.

Fitzsimmons, a Democrat, was elected Scott County auditor in 1976, a position she held until her death April 2. Her husband, Pat Walton, told about 80 people attending the presentation that he appreciated the kind words about his wife and even drew a laugh while talking about partisan politics.

“I know she would’ve really appreciated it,” he said. “She was glad that we had a

Democrat back representing the 1st District.

“I know you miss her,” he said. “I know I miss her everyday, but this isn’t a time for

sorrow.”

Among those attending the meeting were County Attorney Mike Walton, Fitzsimmons’ brother-in-law; former county attorney Bill Davis; Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba; and state Rep. Elesha Gayman, D-Davenport.

“Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute,” Supervisor Chris Gallin said. “It is indeed a moving tribute she received far beyond Scott County.”


Kurt Allemeier can be contacted at (563) 383-2360 or kallemeier@qctimes.com.

Comment on this story at qctimes.com.

Previous Next
Share
Email
Print
 

More Stories By Kurt Allemeier

Most Commented in Local * past 7 days

    (0) Comments Posted Today

    Cheap Magazine Subscriptions
    Up To 90% Off Most Magazines. Get Any 3 Magazines For Just $28.00!
    www.SpeedyMags.com
    Magazine Subscriptions
    Magazine subscriptions, save up to 92%.
    www.magazinestaple.com
    Online Article Submission Service
    Our Online Article Submission service submits your Internet marketing articles automatically to over 500 ezines, 15 Article Announcement lists, and major article directories.
    submityourarticle.com
    Ads by Yahoo!

    Weather

    Quad Cities Weather
    36°F View Forecast
    sponsored by:
    River Levels | Closings | Flight Information
    One in 10 Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day at a restaurant and more than half will purchase restaurant-prepared takeout items. And the cost is up for those doing it all at home. What are you doing this year?
    I am hosting Thanksgiving at my house.
    I will be a guest at someone’s home.
    I plan to eat out at a local restaurant.
    I will eat at home but we are not cooking: Some or all of the food will be catered.
    I hosted Thanksgiving for years. It is someone else’s turn.
    I have no plans.
    View Results

    Marketplace

    Free Time