Scott County honors late auditor

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By Kurt Allemeier | Friday, August 22, 2008 12:24 AM CDT | () comments

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.

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