If you’ve ever wished for a way to predict a candidate’s competency before voting — I found a virtual crystal ball that will tell you everything you need to know about the three candidates running for Utah County Clerk.

A look at Independent American Party nominee Jake Oaks’ Financial Campaign Report is a sure-fire forecast for just how disorganized the Utah County Clerk’s office could be. While GOP candidate Aaron Davidson’s campaign website looks like he objects to doing almost everything in the current job description. Which leaves our third candidate Utah United Party write-in candidate Candace Jacobson, a longtime Election Day volunteer whose years of experience keeps her eager to learn more about the statutes, regulations, and responsibilities of the clerk’s office.

A deeper dive in Davidson’s website claims he wants to work for “You” and although 97% of you prefer to vote by mail, he wants to eliminate it. The mountains of gratuitous work generated by Davidson’s personal experiment with our Clerk’s office would likely lead to the need to hire a full time deputy clerk. And it’s no secret that eliminating mail in voting is estimated to cost local governments a total of $36.8 million in one-time costs and another $19.2 million every year thereafter.

My real-world crystal ball gaze into Oaks’ Campaign Financial Report form reveals a startling lack of organizational and financial skills. The form is dated incorrectly – and I don’t mean mistaking a day – I’m talking about confusing the year. His Schedule A-Itemized Contributions information is practically illegible with information scribbled in pen and scratched out. His only campaign promise is to refuse to follow state law protecting same-sex marriage. What qualifications does he possess for a job officially tasked with maintaining accurate minutes of all public proceedings, ordinances, contracts, and other related documents.

Unlike her opponents, Jacobson isn’t interested in disruptions and headline grabbing. Her work with the National Association of Securities Dealers and years of developing customer service departments for multiple Utah County businesses fit with her goal of wanting to make the clerk’s job nonpartisan.

I’m going to predict that if elected she would develop respectful relationships with other elected leaders and office staff, and take the fiscally responsible path of staying the current course, including avoiding targeted and costly lawsuits.

Kathy Adams, Salt Lake City