Medina County Treasurer Candidates

Published October, 2000

John Burke (R)

“I have a record of bringing $18 million of interest earnings to the county, the highest on record in investment earnings and $24 million in the collection of delinquent
taxes.

“That is $42 million of extra income I’ve generated for the county.

“I’m proud to have been selected as Ohio’s Fund Manager of the year. This is the top award out of 23 fund managers. And, this week I’m receiving the James Rhodes Award.

“We are doing a good job. I plan to continue the high investment earnings and high delinquent tax collection.

“The benefits from our efforts to the county have been tremendous. We’ve been able to save $1,200 per family per year from the extra income.

“I want to complete projects we’ve started. We want residents to be able to make tax payments by credit card. We want to put a drop-off deposit box in Wadsworth. We have one in Medina and Brunswick and they work out great.

“We also want to create a link deposit program. Five banks have already agreed to this. The program makes way for low interest home improvement loans. The loan would be at 3% less than the going rate.

Randy Heller (D)

“I believe the county treasurer, who collects millions of dollars from the taxpayers, should be an individual whose professional and personal conduct is above reproach. Our present treasurer’s conduct-whose resume in the last four years includes a conviction for tax law violations, bankruptcy and foreclosure-is far from exemplary.

“With my education, business and professional experience, I am qualified for the job of county treasurer and I will be dedicated to serving the taxpayer.

“I believe there are many opportunities to make the treasurer’s office more customer friendly, more efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the taxpayer, and in maximizing the collection of money owed to the county.

“I would establish ‘Payments at Banks’ for taxpayer convenience, and make other payment plans available. Only after I made this announcement did the incumbent begin to attempt to offer this service, although not as done elsewhere in the state. He’s to be congratulated for supporting me in advance.

“Number two, I would streamline the computer/data systems by working more professionally with the auditor’s office and with other elected and appointed officials to receive the tax billing data.

“And, I would work with the prosecutor’s office more closely to collect the personal property tax delinquency that has risen to $2.5 Million.”