D. Sue Akins for Indiana County Auditor

D. Sue Akins, of Burrell Township, has announced her candidacy for Indiana County auditor.

Akins, a Democrat, has more than 18 years of accounting experience after earning an associate's degree in accounting, with honors, while working and raising a family.

Akins has served as a volunteer secretary, treasurer and president of the Burrell Township Library Board and as the finance chairwoman at her church, a position she has held for six years.

During this time, she set up the church's accounting system. She has also held many leadership positions on the local, county and state level of PTA, ultimately serving as a district director.

Other volunteer activities include the Blairsville Junior Women's Club and the Girl Scouts of America, for which she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She also volunteered her time with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Indiana County, setting up their payroll and nonprofit status. Currently, Akins is serving as her church's mission chairwoman, having taken a mission trip annually for each of the past three years.

Akins said she is committed to transparency and open communication and believes that if the county is to excel as an entity, residents must be informed of their rights and responsibilities.

"It is essential that the constituents of Indiana County are aware of the resources available, as well as their own needs," she said.

Additionally, she said she believes that Indiana County taxpayers have the responsibility to contribute financially to the growth of the county and that they have a right to know that their money is being spent wisely.

Furthermore, Akins said she believes in accountability.

"Government must be accountable to its citizens, but also likewise. To the extent that is appropriate, citizens should be able to contribute to decision-making and goal-setting for the county," she said in a press release.

Akins said she enjoys working with numbers and putting pieces together to make a whole. In the role of auditor, she will combine her interest and skills in accounting with her commitment and passion for public service, she said.

Akins acknowledges the good work the three incumbents have done on behalf of those in Indiana County, but she said she believes citizens need someone with fresh eyes looking over the accounts. Akins said she is a servant to all with whom she works and aims to serve Indiana County residents in a way that will result in prosperity and fiscal stability.

Akins and her husband, Gary, are residents of Burrell Township. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.