From The Times newspaper: Two candidates on Democratic ballot for county treasurer Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2014 8:03 pm | Updated: 8:19 pm, Fri Mar 14, 2014. Mike Billy, michaelb@mywebtimes, 815-431-4045 | Two candidates, Jared Hicks and Edward McConville, are running for La Salle County treasurer on the Democratic ticket. The seat will be vacant once Treasurer Donald Lamps retires at the end of this term. Voters will cast primary ballots on Tuesday, March 18, and the winner will face Republican candidate James L. Spelich in the general election. What previous experience do you have that qualifies you to be treasurer? McConville: I am a University of Illinois graduate, school of business. For over 40 years I have worked in all areas of banking from operations, loans, trust operation, investments, board of directors and recently as bank president Hicks: My prior work experience has enabled me to learn and participate in a variety of financial and accounting operations. In my previous position I handled all accounting and operations for a nine-physician orthopedic practice with five locations. I became the administrator for two companies 401(k) plans and played a pivotal role in the sale of a business unit. As a senior accountant for my current employer I review and file all real estate, property and sales tax returns. Additionally, I am in charge of the reconciliation of intercompany accounts for their subsidiaries, including international business. I believe being well-rounded as a professional is a key quality for the treasurer position. Would it be one of your goals to shrink the operating budget of the treasurers office? If so, how can you accomplish that? McConville: To answer your question on shrinking the operating budget of the treasurer’s office I would first need to review the three prior budgets and compare the budget figures to actual expenditures. By reviewing the budgets I would need to examine the growth rate factor for additional parcels projected to be added to the county tax rolls. In addition, I would need to review the three prior audits of the treasurer’s office and the recommendations made on each audit. Only then, after experiencing the position, would I be able to determine if the budget for the treasurer’s office needs to be increased or decreased. One of my other goals is to make payment of real estate and personal property taxes easier. One example is that many people have their residential real estate taxes escrowed at their financial institution. We would work closely with financial institutions to assist them in this task. Hicks: During the budget process office holders, including the treasurer, request a budget to manage their office accordingly for the year. I believe that Don Lamps has requested and maintained a reasonable budget throughout his terms. However, if elected I will certainly review prior budgets to see how they have been utilized and make adjustments as I see necessary. What makes you the best Democratic Party candidate? McConville: My resume fits the job description and qualifications, along with my 40 years of experience and the ability to dedicate my full attention to the office as I am retiring from the bank in May 2014. Hicks: I believe that I am the best Democratic Party candidate because I am young, energetic and highly motivated. I feel that I can do great things for the county with my strong work ethic, education and experience. What is one position you hold that most Democrats would not agree with? McConville: My position on future interest rates for investment funds for the next 18 to 24 months is that they will remain at their current levels. Hicks: There will always be positions in which all Democrats do not agree. I think that the positive behind those disagreements is that this allows for deliberation on the issues and yields the best action to be taken for the community. As a La Salle County Democrat I think we do a good job in that aspect. Why do you want to be the treasurer? McConville: I would like the opportunity to serve the surrounding communities based on my financial experience. The banking industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries. The knowledge and experience from the financial regulations and audits would be an excellent asset to bring to the office of treasurer. Hicks: Having been involved in politics for most of my life I have had the chance to see firsthand how public service helps the community. I think it was only a matter of time before I ran for office and became a part of that program. When I learned of Don Lamps retiring as treasurer I felt I was in a good place in my life to get my name on the ballot. I have put forth hard work to get where I am now and look forward to continuing that work ethic as the next La Salle County treasurer. Name: Edward McConville Hometown: Peru Age: 63 Family: Married to wife Loretta and has two sons, Ryan and Matthew Occupation: Banker at National Bank of Earlville Membership: Earlville Lions Club Education: Marquette High School and University of Illinois Previous elected positions: None Name: Jared Hicks Hometown: Marseilles Age: 29 Family: Father, County Board Chairman Jerry Hicks; mother, Debbie Hicks; brother, Chad Hicks and sister, Sarah Hicks Occupation: Senior Accountant at Clover Technologies Group in Ottawa Memberships: None Education: Bachelors in Finance from Northern Illinois University and Masters of Business Administration from St. Francis University. Previous elected positions: None
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:13:00 +0000
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