Candidate for
Treasurer-Tax Collector; County of Butte

The office of Treasurer-Tax Collector has been my long term career goal since beginning service with the County in March 2004, after more than 20 years in private sector bank management. The Treasurer-Tax Collector is essential to the financial well-being of the County, its School Districts and Special Districts. I am confident I am an engaged, knowledgeable and experienced candidate for the position, and I more than meet the minimum qualification requirement which, by County Code, says:

"The person has served in a senior financial management position in a County, City or other public agency dealing with similar financial responsibilities for a continuous period of not less than three years, including but not limited to Treasurer, Tax Collector, Auditor, Auditor-Controller, or the Chief Deputy or an Assistant in those offices. "

I have served as Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector for 6 years, building the knowledge base and skill sets necessary to effectively manage the three diverse divisions of the office: Treasury, Property Tax Collections, and Central Collections. I am currently serving as Treasurer-Tax Collector, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in February, to serve the remaining term upon Linda Barnes' retirement. I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence that this office has maintained, and I am passionate about doing the very best job possible for the benefit of our citizens.

In my role as Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector, and prior role as Manager of Finance & Investments, I have directly managed the investments and cash flow for the Treasury's $400 Million (average) Investment Portfolio (pooled funds belonging to the County, School Districts and Special Districts), coordinated issuance of the County's Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, initiated and managed Continuing Disclosure and other post issuance responsibilities, directed and improved Treasury operations (we serve as the bank for all Investment Pool participants), facilitated issuance of general obligation bonds for school districts within the County, and provided management oversight and direction to the Property Tax and Central Collections Divisions.

One of the important fiduciary responsibilities of the Treasurer-Tax Collector is the Deferred Compensation Committee. I have collaborated with Linda Barnes, retired Treasurer-Tax Collector, on the By-laws and policies for the County's Deferred Compensation program, and resolve to work hard to continue to focus on a superior program of diverse investment options, the lowest possible fee structure, increased educational opportunities for prospective participants and to reach out to all Butte County employees to encourage participation in this important tool for building retirement security.

When I first took the big "leap" from private sector bank management to public service, I was excited about the opportunity to transition my skill sets and take on new and challenging responsibilities, and the experience has been very rewarding.

Over the years, I have developed a thorough and appreciative understanding of just how local government functions; the interrelation of the various departments and the role of Administration and the Board of Supervisors, and how critical it is for all departments and entities to work together cooperatively and timely for the benefit of Butte County's overall health and welfare, and to provide reliable and effective services to our citizens.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office has an outstanding reputation for professionalism, responsiveness, knowledgeable and helpful staff, accuracy and accountability, and transparency in reporting. We have achieved this through strong leadership, open communication, conscientious staff training and development, encouragement of fresh, innovative ideas and implementation of technological advances to continuously improve and streamline operations. The result is a team that is engaged and proud of their work, and proud of working productively for Butte County and its citizens.