Gassert was a model for public service

It’s hard to find a more dedicated elected official than Paul Gassert. Elected as the Carlton County auditor more than 30 years ago, he’s spent his entire career serving residents as auditor and eventually with tagged-on duties as treasurer.

Paul is emblematic of everything good about government. In an age where too many politicians pander to their base and spend most of their time in office trying to get re-elected, he was a dedicated bureaucrat who was also accountable to the voters who re-elected him, by wide margins, every four years.

He seemingly knew everything about his office. Many times a call would result in Paul having the information or procedure at his fingertips, from election rules to licensing nuances. Response time from his staff was quick, and the help they gave to residents could be counted on for accuracy and efficiency.

And his knowledge of all things tax was legendary. Whenever the county board or any other government agency needed information to make their decisions, Gassert could provide it. And you could rely on it.

Several years ago, Gassert was called to testify in a trial. When the lawyer asked him if he worked for the Carlton County board, he replied, “No.” The lawyer was flummoxed. “Who do you work for, then?” Gassert replied: “I work for the citizens of Carlton County, who elected me.”

We hope other public servants take a lesson from Paul Gassert and run their offices with a keen eye on their responsibility to their bosses: the taxpayers.

We wish him all the best in his retirement.