Platte, South Dakota

– Republican Colette Mesman, a longtime resident of Charles Mix County, is proud to announce her candidacy for County Auditor, pledging transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

“The auditor’s office plays a critical role in county government – from elections to financial records,” said Mesman. “And those responsibilities require accuracy, accountability, and public trust. If elected, I am committed to running the office openly, efficiently, and with respect for every taxpayer.”

Mesman brings several years of experience to the table. Throughout her career, she has worked as the South-Central Regional Representative for the South Dakota Retailers Association, served as the Executive Director of the Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Platte Development Corporation, and worked as the office manager at Konechne Heating and Cooling.

In her career experiences, Mesman has developed and managed budgets for multiple nonprofit organizations, wrote, applied for, and administered grant funds, oversaw and balanced multiple checking, savings, and money-market accounts, worked closely with SDHDA and GOED on local development efforts, created and expanded community events that generated sustainable revenue, and prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual tax documents while maintaining accurate financial and service records. She has also worked with 800+ business members, maintained accurate records, delivered consistent communication, and built trusted relationships with business owners and community leaders in her work with the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Work ethic and volunteerism are important to Mesman, who has worked at the Academy Election Polling Site, has attended the Election Schools, and volunteers in her community at the Lyric Theater and for various fundraising events.

As Charles Mix County Auditor, Mesman plans to:

• Maintain accurate and transparent financial records

• Support fair and secure elections

• Provide dependable service to the public and to the county commission

• Treat every person with respect and professionalism “I understand that trust in government is built by doing the small things right, every day,” Mesman added. “I am running because I believe county government works best when it is honest, dedicated, and accessible – especially in an office that manages public records, finances, and elections.”

Mesman was born and raised in Platte and is currently an active member of the community. She and her husband raised their two children in the Platte community as well. Her supporters have shown great faith in Mesman already, as she has secured almost five times the required number of signatures on her petition to run for Charles Mix County Auditor.

The primary election for County Auditor will be held on June 2, 2026, and the general election November 3, 2026.

For more information about the campaign, follow the campaign on social media on Facebook at Colette Mesman for Charles Mix Auditor.