MERCER COUNTY
Ex-fed auditor runs for controller
By Tom Fontaine
Herald Staff Writer
Hermitage resident Tom Amundsen says his accounting background and yen for public service would serve him well as the next county controller.
Amundsen, a 44-year-old Democrat, announced Tuesday that he is running for the four-year post, one of three county offices on the ballot this year. "I am committed to apply my education and experience in auditing with my desire for public service," Amundsen said.
The office has been held the last eight years by Dennis Songer, who said last month he would not seek a third term. The controller gathers budget information, prescribes accounting systems used in county offices, OKs bills, audits county officers’ books and makes financial reports at the end of the year. The post pays $42,986 a year.
Amundsen, a certified public accountant, worked as a contract auditor for the U.S. Defense Department for more than a decade, commuting to his job outside Cleveland while living in Hermitage. He said he saved the department more than $1 million in a contract for defense-system engine parts. Amundsen’s position was cut when the department downsized last year and, rather than accept a job in Washington, Amundsen said he chose to stay in the area.
Sort of. For several months last year, Amundsen volunteered at a ministry in northern Mexico, leading a staff that helped build homes in the region. Amundsen has also volunteered time toward area efforts, including ERASE, the anti-drug coalition in Farrell; the Shenango Valley Initiative; Shenango Valley River Watchers; and the Prince of Peace Center in Farrell.
Amundsen graduated from Hickory High School, Hermitage; Florida Institute of Technology with an associate’s degree; and magna cum laude from Youngstown State University, with a degree in business. He’s also worked as a radio operator on merchant ships, as a credit analyst and as manager of a monthly senior citizens’ newspaper he co-founded.
Songer and other party leaders endorsed Amundsen’s candidacy Tuesday at the Mercer County Courthouse.
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