Editor’s note: We’ll be publishing candidate profiles through Saturday in advance of the general election on Tuesday.

Erik Diemer, Democrat, and incumbent Marlo Merhige, Republican, are running for controller of Monroe County. The salary is $74,737.

Erik Diemer

Town: Stroudsburg

Background: I was born and raised in Monroe County, went to Stroudsburg High School, then, attended ESU where I graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business management. After college I opened Blossom & Buzz Beekeeping. Launching my own small business was natural to me as I had grown up working in my family’s businesses, Pocono Soap, and Kitchen Chemistry. I’ve also been an event coordinator for the Stroudsburg Tree Lighting, and Pocono Pride Festival.

Why are you running for office: I am running for the office of controller to use my years of business experience and leadership skills to help run Monroe County like a business. I have seen changes in Monroe County over the last two decades, and I think it is time that we have leadership who has a vision for the future and has the energy to make improvements for the better.

What do you see as your role for county controller and how will you fulfill it: The county controller oversees the money coming out of the county. The controller performs audits, sits on the Prison Inspector, Salary, and Retirement boards. My years of experience running businesses and events makes me a great networker and fast problem solver. As controller, I see myself keeping a close eye on the money coming out of the county, spending time finding grants to help cover the costs of services and improvements to the county.

Any other comments: I love helping our local organizations. I am the treasurer for the Eastern Monroe Libraries, board member with Go-Collaborative, leader of the Beekeepers Association, and more. I feel my wide foundation of experiences gives me a unique perspective on leadership and problem solving. I live by the philosophy that as the Shakespeare saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”

Marlo A. Merhige

Town: Cresco

Background: I graduated Cum Laude from Misericordia University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Immediately after graduation, I worked for a public accounting firm for two years. I then followed up with two more years of auditing experience with Shawnee Mountain Ski Area. In 1997 I joined the Monroe County Controller’s Office as the deputy controller. After working in the office for three years, I decided to run for controller.

Why are you running for office: I am running again for controller because I want to continue my leadership for Monroe County by protecting the taxpayers as their fiscal watchdog. I am the only candidate that meets the highest levels of preparation and qualification. I have lots to still accomplish and the energy to continue making our Controller’s Office one of the best in the state. To top it off, I am fortunate to say I still love what I do.

What do you see as your role for county Controller and how will you fulfill it: The controller’s role is to protect the taxpayers by being the fiscal watchdog. I have the proven experience needed to perform my job effectively and efficiently. This position is not one to be delegated, but rather performed hands on. Between paying county bills, processing payroll for 700-plus employees, managing the $120-plus million dollar pension fund, auditing tax collectors, magisterial district justices, etc. and overseeing the $180 million dollar budget, this position requires vital experience.

Any other comments: I am the only qualified and experienced candidate to continue as the fiscal watchdog for the county. This is not a political position, but a position where knowledge and experience are crucial. This is a position where one would say, don’t fix something that isn’t broke. It’s not the job for someone who will “figure it out” as they go. As your candidate for controller, I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 7.