• 19 year old interview:

“After reading the page called ‘What makes a great auditor?’ My first thought was, “hey, that sounds like Allen!” He is detail oriented, technical minded. All the stuff that is listed… that’s just who he is. He would be perfect for this job. Please vote for him!”

• 18 year old writes: 
  

  “My dad has always been great with handling money. He has enjoyed it since he started paying taxes on his own. Since I’ve become an adult he’s offered countless times to help me with my taxes and understanding what they are way more than school ever could. He takes his time to make sure there’s no mistakes (he’s always been a kinda perfectionist so you can imagine he’s definitely going through things again and again to make sure everything goes where it needs). He has had plenty of experience with handling money in our house and even for his job. Whenever people are struggling with anything regarding money, he’s the first one they turn to. My dad would make a wonderful auditor because of his experience and passion when it comes to organizing and managing money.”

• 16 year old writes: 
  

  “When I got my first job it was because of looking up to my dad. I saw what a hard worker he is and felt like I needed to be that. Once my first paycheck hit I spent it all, and I did with every other paycheck that came through, And then the worst happened. He told me to save and invest my money. He encouraged putting money in stocks when I was even younger so this was not new. I started putting $50 every paycheck into a Roth IRA and I thank him because I am better off now because of his advice. Ever since my conscious childhood he has always been good with budgets and what we can afford to spend. Vote Allen Bel-Long”

•  15 year old #1 writes:
  

  “In the beginning when I first met Allen and learned about the budget for birthdays and Christmas, it kind of shocked me because I was little and had no clue how to correctly spend money. I would beg and ask for whatever, not thinking about costs. As I slowly got to know Allen the budgeting came in handy. I learned at a younger age than most that money didn’t grow on trees; something Allen would say a lot. Growing up not being able to buy everything I wanted definitely made me upset at times, like when I could not buy every Shopkin in Walmart. Now that I’m older I’m grateful that he gave us budgets when we were younger. It helps me to avoid impulsive decisions on things I don’t need. Something else I learned as I was getting to know Allen was how to be open-minded. Being open-minded has opened so many doors that I didn’t even realize were there. It has improved my character in more than one way, to think about what others have to offer and to listen when someone is giving an opinion or a thought is a strong attribute. I have also learned equality from Allen. He taught me that not everything can be exactly even as it wouldn’t be fair. Sometimes other people will get things that you want and it’s not unfair in every case. I feel that knowing the difference from fair and equal is a line most people mix up. Thanks to Allen that line looks a little more solid. Allen has done so much in my life as a step-dad that has made me the person I am today. Sometimes I question why he does what he does but it all ends up falling together in a way that helps and improves our home. Allen does so much more than just budgeting, he makes us laugh when we feel down, he learned how to cook so we didn’t eat frozen meals every night. He spends his free time hanging out with us even if work wore him out. Allen has this positive attitude that draws people in. That attitude has made letting him into my life as a step-dad so much easier. He always knows how to say the right things. In the beginning, I was honestly scared of Allen. I would fight with him and shelter myself from him. Over time he slowly got to know me, he would bring me my favorite things when I was upset. He sat down with me when I cried over drama, and most importantly listens to me when nobody would. Allen has slowly grown on me as one of the first people I run to when something happens or when I’m upset. He has this way of basically sensing peoples’ emotions and knowing what to do. Give him a chance, you won’t regret it!”

   

• 15 year old #2 writes: 
  

  “I am proud to endorse my dad for Boone County Auditor. He is an honest, hardworking, and dedicated person who believes in serving our community with integrity and accountability.
  He understands the importance of financial oversight and is committed in ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed carefully and transparently. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to doing what’s right make him the right choice for Boone County.
  If you’re looking for someone who will put the interests of Boone County residents first and work diligently on their behalf, I encourage you to support and vote for my dad for Boone County Auditor.”

• 14 year old #1 interview:

“I think that dad… (what’s a good thing to say about money?… )Ok, I think that dad is very responsible with money. He always keeps our money safe. I think dad tries to be mostly fair with anything. Whenever I need something that is a necessity and not a want, he will will usually use his own money. Depending on what it is… like clothes or hygiene products. I think if a random stranger went up to dad and said ‘ hold this $100 and I’ll give you $20 when I come back’ then dad would hold it and give it back because it might be a social experiment by Mr. Beast. Then what if Mr. Beast comes out and gives him more. Wait, dad would do it anyway because he has integrity. I think dad is really good at what he does. He would probably do better in this position for the government and whoever he works for. Also, he is really good at typing because I did a competition with him and I got 35 words per minute with 100% accuracy because I had to look at the keyboard. Dad got like 70 words per min with 99% accuracy and didn’t have to look at the keyboard. Overall, I think dad would be a really good person for this job because he has a lot of traits that would be great for the next Boone County Auditor.”

• 14 year old #2 interview:

“Dad is detail oriented, he focus’s on even the small details. Dad is very good at solving problems. He is somebody I can trust. I can trust him with everything. He is the most trustworthy person in our house. If he says he’s going to do something, he is going to do it. I trust him with my money, he is really really good at keeping track of money. Vote for dad!”

• 12 year old #1 writes:
  

  “12yr old #1 aka the better and older twin: “All of that is very true, he keeps us on strict money budgets. But lately he let me buy something pretty awesome! It was a little keychain of Hello Kitty! I don’t think he has ever lost track of the amount of money each person has. He is very good at that!!! I think he could absolutely take care of our community because he takes care of our house. I think his old job has something to do with finances because he seems to know a lot about finances, obviously! When he is cooking, he keeps everything neat and organized and keeps track of it. That would be how he could take those skills to how he keeps track of money for the community. He’s also very fair, kind, and AWESOME . My very amazing father also takes pride in his work and loves what he does! So that means he should be Auditor for Boone County because I said so ”

• 12 year old #2 interview:
  

  “(Why am I number two? I’m the better twin!) He handles the money well. He keeps track of our money. He is better with money than our other parent is. He knows a lot about money compared to most people I know. When I give dad my money, he saves it for me to keep my siblings away from it. Dad is very very responsible. He is very organized. He’s good with most things I know. Bro. He’s very smart, I don’t know what that has to do with money.. (but.. now interview [14yr old #1]) Actually… I’ll keep on going. Dad is really good at cooking. Dad keeps up and organizes stuff. How many more lines do I need to beat [12yr old #1]? So… yeah. He keeps my money organized and doesn’t forget when I spend money on robux. He puts my money in my account when I get money. Umm. I don’t get allowance but dad keeps everything fair. He doesn’t waste money but I do. On robux. Ok, I’m done.”