Two candidates seek Lake County auditor position

Posted on Monday, October 25, 2010

By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter

This year's race for Lake County auditor has two candidates. On Nov. 2, Democrat Roberta "Bobbi" Janke faces Republican candidate Shelli Gust.

Janke, 55, the current deputy auditor, has worked in the local Auditor's Office for 23 years. She and her husband Ronald have three adult children.

She has been a member of the Interlakes Federal Credit Union supervisory board since 1998. She is also a member of the Ronald Westby Post 2638 Auxiliary, where she has served as secretary and community service chairperson.

From 1998 to 2004, Janke served as the treasurer for Herman Township. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and has served on a call committee and as worship assistant.

Asked what motivated her to run for auditor, Janke pointed to her time in the office.

"I would say 23 years of hands-on experience working in the auditor's office," she said. "I enjoy the variety of duties in the office."

Gust, 29, is currently a legal assistant in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. She and her husband Brandon have two children.

She is currently a member of the Kiwanis Club, Madison Chamber of Commerce and Trinity Lutheran Church.

For Gust, seeking the position of auditor seems like a natural transition.

"For the past four years, I worked for the State's Attorney's Office. As part of that position, I attend the county commission meetings frequently. It's just a natural transition for me at this point."

Through her job with the state's attorney, Gust has been assigned duties that have allowed her to observe the role of auditor and how she works with the county commission.

"I'm interested in that position. I'm a very detail oriented person, and I just think it's a natural transition for me to better serve the people of Lake County and get more active," Gust said.

Full details on both candidates can be found in Monday's Madison Daily Leader.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010