Clerk-Treasurer Candidates Meet Public In Syracuse
Clerk-Treasurer Candidates Meet Public In Syracuse
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Denise Federow-
Clerk-Treasurer Candidates Meet Public In SyracuseSYRACUSE – There was a full house at the Syracuse Community Center Thursday night as the public came out to a Meet the Candidate forum hosted by the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce.
Three Syracuse residents are vying for the Clerk-Treasurer’s seat – Republican incumbent Paula Kehr-Wicker, Republican challenger Virginia Cazier and Democratic challenger Tim Yeager.
The forum was moderated by Times-Union general manager Gary Gerard.
Kehr-Wicker thanked Andrea Reed of the Chamber of Commerce for hosting and the audience for coming out.
“I think it’s critical for the voters to hear directly from the candidates,” she said.
She told the audience she’s worked in the clerk-treasurer’s office since 2001 and her slogan, “Experience Matters” should be considered by voters.
Yeager gave the spectators a long list of his prior jobs and the local businesses he managed, as well as the leadership roles he’s held in different civic organizations in town, including a stint as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He pledged to be honest, transparent and friendly.
Cazier said she’s worked for the town for 22 years. “I love the town and the people and I truly want to be clerk-treasurer,” she said.
Each candidate was asked to answer what education—formal or otherwise—they have that qualifies them for the clerk-treasurer job.
Kehr-Wicker responded that she has an Associate Degree in Accounting. She cited over 130 hours of continuing education in the areas of public administration, special skills and more through the Indiana League of Municipal Clerk-Treasurers. She reported an additional 52 hours of continuing education in ethics law, employee files and other human resource topics.
Yeager replied, “I’ve not taken a course in Clerk Treasurer 101, but I have two college degrees in Education,” in addition to managing businesses—the Pickwick Theatre and his former photography studio and said he would take the necessary classes.
Cazier said she attended Ivy Tech but pointed out one “doesn’t need a college degree to be clerk-treasurer.” She said she’d take every opportunity to take seminars and would get help from her childhood friend who works in the Milford clerk-treasurer’s office and from Syracuse’s past clerk-treasurer.
Each candidate was then asked what was their primary reason for wanting the job. Yeager said Democratic candidates were scarce and he felt it was time to have a Democratic choice. He also said he felt the office should have “compassionate pragmatism” and he added he could “use the full time pay.”
Cazier said she wanted to make a difference and continue serving. She said she wanted to set up systems so the taxpayers are not penalized and would have an open door policy where residents would be welcomed.
Kehr-Wicker said she loved the town and its citizens and goes to work every day at a job that gives her joy and fulfillment. The job brings new challenges everyday and accounting is her chosen profession.
“I’ve not for one second ever taken it for granted and I’ve experienced the enormity of this position,” she said.
She added it was her hope her professionalism and quality of her work would garner her a second term.
For the third question they were given a scenario of a customer being served a shut off notice for non-payment, arrangements were made but the customer didn’t pay and were shut off again. The customer came in again wanting to pay a portion of the bill. Each was asked how they would handle such a situation.
Cazier said, “We have to remember who elected us—I work for you, you’re my boss,” she said to the audience. She said she didn’t think she’d let it get that far but would connect the customer with resources.
Kehr-Wicker said she and her deputy clerks appreciate the customers and treat each one with respect. She said their policy is to assist and they do provide resources for help. She said they accept agreements and have a written policy for consistency but said they “also have to be aware of our obligation to other rate payers.”
Yeager said he’d accept whatever money was offered and would question the customer for more specifics, keeping in mind wages have remained stagnant and people are suffering.
Gerard also had specific questions for each candidate. For Kehr-Wicker the question was why experience is so critical for her position as clerk-treasurer. She replied everything she does is covered by state and federal law and she’s proficient in each area. She said she is certified as a clerk and that is only possible with experience.
“To train a new clerk would cost the town time and money,” she said.
Yeager’s question regarded his run last year for Turkey Creek Township Trustee and his run now for clerk-treasurer and since the two positions are so dissimilar, what is his experience? He responded he always accepts challenges and has business and leadership skills and any new skills he needed he would take classes.
Cazier’s question also had to do with her campaign slogan – Integrity, Principled, Experienced. She was asked to explain those values as related to the office she is seeking.
She responded she is hardworking and goes above and beyond. Her current job requires she prepare water and wastewater operating budgets and reports for council meetings and she can bring that experience to the clerk’s office. She said she is active in the community, helping with leaf pickup and other activities.
Gerard had a question of his own. He asked each candidate what they perceived to be the town’s biggest challenge. Yeager said one of the challenges he’s observed is that the government is institutionalized and not friendly or compassionate He thinks the town of 2800 should be able to work with people better.
Cazier said the challenge is there are plenty of jobs but no one to fill them because they require college educations. Cazier said there are people with skills and experiences and they should be considered.
Kehr-Wicker said while not having people to fill jobs is an issue, an even bigger issue is lack of housing in town. She said the bigger issue is annexation laws. “They’re so stringent that involuntary annexations are practically nil.”
She said if they want people to come to Syracuse they need places to live. She said as for the budget they make do but they could do more if the levy is increased and that is up to the council.
Gerard opened up to the public for questions but only one person – Julie Cline – former clerk treasurer spoke. She said she wanted to clarify what Cazier said about her helping her. “I said I would help whoever the clerk-treasurer is – I just wanted to make that clear.”
