The following is the text from a Cuba Free Press article on January 26, 2006. A link to the archived article is not available on the paper’s website.

Treasurer finally appointed

Gov. Matt Blunt announced Friday his appointment of Joe Pondrom as the new Crawford County treasurer. Trouble is, the local Republicans wanted Jessica (Vincent) Easler for the job instead.

Pondrom, a resident of Sullivan, got the appointment call from the governor's office late Friday afternoon. He was sworn into office by Judge Kelly Parker at the courthouse Monday morning, and began catching up on the treasurer's business this week.

The Crawford County Republican Central Committee met in December 2005 to nominate a candidate to replace Treasurer Lucille Giles, whose last official day was December 31. She resigned due to illness, with one year left in her term of office.

In a split vote among committee members, the majority of the committee approved the nomination of Easler to the post. She was to be recommended to the governor's office as the committee's unanimous choice, after committee members agreed to rally their support for her candidacy.

Pondrom later filed his own application for the treasurer's post by contacting the governor's office directly himself. He told the Free Press he was "encouraged to apply" by leaders within the Republican Party, following the outcome of the December 20 committee meeting. He also mentioned that there were some committee members who could not attend the vote that night due to medical reasons, which could have affected the outcome.

"I was encouraged to apply (for the job) by people in the community," Pondrom said, adding that the committee's recommendation to the governor was "an important factor in the process, but not the only one. There were other factors that weighed into his decision." He believes an economics degree helps qualify him for the position, and he has wanted to "play a bigger role in county politics for a long time now."

Easler told the Free Press she feels Gov. Blunt made the wrong choice, or at least made his decision based on factors other than true qualifications. "I mistakenly assumed this would all be based on our job qualifications," she said. "I understand that politics is sometimes a game people play, but that doesn't make this right. I can't honestly say I think the best candidate for the job got it."

Easler, who lives near Cuba, stated that she received word from Gov. Blunt's office late Friday afternoon that Pondrom had been selected. She said the news hit her pretty hard: "I was really speechless. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I've been in a state of shock for the past few days." She said James Harris of the governor's office provided no explanation for why the committee's recommendation was rejected.

Easler has an accounting degree and has done accounting work for companies before. She has worked in the past in various accounting, sales and merchandising positions for Peoples Bank, Paramount and Wallis Oil Company.

Pondrom has an economics degree and has helped with several Republican elections, most recently on Representative Jason Smith's campaign last fall. He also serves on the Republican Central Committee.

Both Pondrom and Easler told the Free Press they had plans to file for the Republican primary for county treasurer this year.

The appointment of Pondrom marks the second consecutive time in which Gov. Blunt has rejected the Republican Central Commit-tee's choice for an appointee. Last November, he chose retired judge John Brackmann to fill the remainder of Kent Howald's term as associate court judge, despite the committee's nomination of Catherine Lange.

New treasurer at a glance

Pondrom, 28, is a native of Sullivan and of Crawford County. He graduated from Sullivan High School and Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He has been active in the public policy process for the past 10 years, including service as a staff member for U.S. Senator Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, as well as numerous positions within the Republican Party.

Pondrom said he is committed to fiscal responsibility and will work to ensure the citizens of Crawford County receive the best return on their tax dollars. He said his first priorities are to ensure a smooth transition and to establish strong working relationships with county office holders.

"I consider it a privilege to serve the people of Crawford County as their treasurer, and I will conduct the office with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity," Pondrom said.

Pondrom praised Giles, saying, "Lucille has served the county admirably during her tenure. Her tradition of moral uprightness and excellence in faithfully carrying out her duties are an example for all public servants to follow. Her resignation leaves a huge void in Crawford County. I will strive to continue Lucille's tradition of public service."

He added, "I am personally saddened by the circumstances leading to her resignation and my thoughts and prayers are with Lucille and her family during this difficult time."