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Anita López makes a run for auditor
By Fletcher Word
La Prensa Reporter

Lucas County Recorder Anita López is ready for bigger and better things. Last week, López, who has been endorsed by the Lucas County Democrats, filed her petitions to run for the post of Lucas County Auditor in November’s general election.

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López had originally decided to campaign for the office after the current auditor, Larry Kaczala, had announced his intentions not to run for a fourth term. Kaczala said then he wanted to run for a judgeship.

Last week, at the 11th hour, Kaczala changed his mind, after Lucas County Commissioner Maggie Thurber announced the day before the filing deadlines of February 16^th that she would not be seeking re-election, and filed for another run for auditor, ensuring that López will face a stiff challenge in the fall.

The Kaczala reversal did not go unmentioned during López’s remarks after turning in her petitions.

“I believe that Lucas County businesses and citizens deserve an auditor who will put them first,” said López. “I know I can do a better job running that office.

“I’ve had a vision of how the recorder’s office and the auditor’s office can work better together,” the candidate said.

In reference to her opponent’s change of plans, López gave a little glimpse as to what one her campaign themes might be and noted that “we don’t need an auditor who is indecisive.”

López alluded to a few problems the auditor’s office has had over the years, matters of which she as recorder has had first-hand knowledge. “As auditor, I will be able to make sure some things get better. During the Ray Kest era, for example, there were things happening that the auditor should have been looking at. If we had had a strong auditor in office, those things could have been prevented.”

Kest ran into legal difficulties due to the disbursement of official funds of the Lucas County Treasurer’s office for personal reasons. Kest was ultimately found guilty of several misdemeanors due to this malfeasance and, as part of his plea agreement, he vacated this office.  

“We need to really build up the standards for elected officials, there have been too many scandals with elected officials,” said López. “I’m going to be a public official not just a politician and I plan on putting citizens and tax payers first. I’m not really sure if Larry is dedicated to the office.”

López, a graduate of The University of Toledo’s law school, made her first run for office in 2001 and won election to the Toledo Board of Education. In November 2004, she ran a successful campaign for the recorder’s office and still has two years left on that term.

López is married to attorney Roman Arce and is the mother of two sons.