George Kaitsa Jr., a Republican from Powell, is certified for the ballot in the Nov. 3 general election for Delaware County auditor. He is 82. Kaitsa has held the office since March 2009, according to his county auditor biography.

Asked why he is seeking the office, Kaitsa said in our questionnaire: "To continue to serve the taxpayers of Delaware County. To continue to implement the property tax reform legislation adopted by the General Assembly. To continue to advocate for true property tax relief that will lower the dependence on the property tax as a way to fund our schools."

Candidate information

Age: 82 (as of April 2026)

Residence: Powell, Ohio

Party: "Republican"

Education: "I have a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Kenyon College and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University."

Family: "I am married and have two daughters, a stepson and four grandchildren."

Experience and public service

Kaitsa said in our questionnaire: "I have served as the Delaware County Auditor since March of 2009. I have received the Distinguished Auditor Award for continuing education in 2012, 2017, 2022 and 2026."

He is a past president of the County Auditors' Association of Ohio, according to his county auditor biography.

Asked about previous elected or appointed offices, Kaitsa said: "I served on Powell City Council for ten years and served two terms as Vice President of Powell Council both when Powell was a village as well as when Powell became a city after the 2000 census. I served as the Vice President of the Delaware County Port Authority before it was renamed the Delaware County Finance Authority. I served as the President of the County Auditors' Association of Ohio. I currently serve as the Vice President of the Ohio Council of County Officials."

He also served as finance director at Franklin County, deputy director at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and chief financial officer at the Ohio Department of Development, according to his county biography and BallotReady.

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what accomplishments demonstrate he can handle the job, Kaitsa said: "I have worked with the Delaware County Commissioners to reduce property taxes by $24.9 million. I have refunded $19.7 million in surplus real estate fees to provide services to Delaware County residents. I have worked with the Delaware County Commissioners to secure four triple A credit ratings, reducing the cost of borrowing for Delaware County. Under my leadership, Delaware County has had 17 consecutive clean audits and my office has received the 'Award with Distinction' from State Auditor Keith Faber."

Property tax reform: Asked what his office can do to ease the tax burden, Kaitsa said: "I will continue to advocate for true property tax relief that will lower the dependence on the property tax as a way to fund our schools. The state needs to shoulder more of the responsibility for funding our schools rather than pushing that responsibility onto homeowners. I will continue to advocate for property tax relief for senior citizens by increasing the homestead exemption program and eliminating the income test for eligibility."

2026 triennial update: Asked what homeowners should expect from the reappraisal, Kaitsa said: "2026 is a triennial update year for Delaware County. Home values in Delaware County are going up because Delaware County has a robust real estate market … During each reappraisal cycle, the tax reduction factor reduces the tax rate for voted tax levies to offset the corresponding increase in property values." He added: "Our office will be conducting informal reviews during October, beginning on October 5th. Additional information about the informal review process is available on our website … or calling the Hotline at 740-833-2930."

Goals for the next term: Asked about his top goals, Kaitsa said: "To continue the tradition of excellence in financial reporting. Delaware County has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 34 consecutive years … To continue to support and mentor my staff to assume positions of leadership."