Before every local election, the True Dakotan publishes a candidate forum to help educate voters about candidates before they head to the polls.
To prepare for the general election on November 5, the newspaper asked Jerauld County Treasurer candidates Tara Peterson, Jessica Van Dyke and Lisa Younie four questions. Their responses are published below. Editor’s note: The True Dakotan does not edit candidate responses, they are published as written and submitted by each candidate.
TARA PETERSON
What motivates you to want to run for the office of Jerauld County Treasurer?
I currently hold this position with Jeruald County and I throughly enjoy what I do everyday. I enjoy problem solving and working with the public. A little over a year ago I was looking for a career change and I stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new, as I heard the County was looking for a New Treasurer. I was appointed Jeruald County Treasurer by the Commission Board. I knew I would be faced with running for this position in the near future, but I was up for the challenge. I have taken this position head-on and I have been dedicated to being successful for the County.
What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as Jerauld County Treasurer?
There are many different responsibilities within this position; I was fortunate enough to have been trained-in by the previous County Treasurer, who taught me all the correct procedures to be a successful County Treasurer. I will continue to put that knowledge to use to make sure the Treasurer’s Office in Jeruald County is successfully run. I have also attended a few conferences all held by the State; this continuing education has helped me to be more successful for the citizens of Jeruald County.
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
If I, Tara Peterson, am elected for Jeruald County Treasurer I will continue to execute proper and accurate records for Jeruald County and the citizens.
What is your vision of the future of the county over the next five years?
My vision as Jerauld County Treasurer, Tara Peterson, is for the County to maintain financial stability. I would like to see Jerauld County be able to grow as a community for the people; for future businesses to want to come here and potentially expand and keep revenue coming into the County. This is the 5 year vision I, Tara Peterson as your Jerauld County Treasurer, would like to see for Jerauld County.
JESSICA VAN DYKE
What motivates you to want to run for the office of Jerauld County Treasurer?
I am motivated by a desire to serve my community. We live in a rural community, but we still need all the services available to us that larger communities enjoy. It is important that we are able to conduct our business (such as renewing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations) without having to travel far from home. I enjoy solving problems and working with a variety of customers. This is an opportunity to put my skills & experience to work for Jerauld County - my neighbors and my home.
What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as Jerauld County Treasurer?
I have over 20 years of customer service experience and have worked with a wide variety of customers/clients. For the last year, I have been keeping the books for a local fuel delivery & construction company. This involves constantly changing prices and prepaid contracts with charge accounts that must be documented and kept up to date. Previously, I worked at our local farm & home store for 8 years. In the office there, we implemented an entirely new accounting and inventory system. We started from scratch and rebuilt the entire system, then taught our staff how to utilize the new program, resulting in more accurate pricing, inventory control, and customer satisfaction. I was also responsible for ordering, returns, receiving inventory at the correct cost, organizing the store, assisting/training coworkers and, most importantly, serving our customers. I say all this to demonstrate my ability to multitask while paying attention to the details and accuracy. Every penny needs to be accounted for. I have extensive computer skills and have no trouble learning new programs. I try to do each task to the very best of my abilities and I am not afraid to ask questions and learn more.
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
The top issues for the Treasurer’s office in Jerauld County are accuracy and efficiency. The accounts and documentation really need to be kept correct and up to date. Tax payments need to be handled promptly, and checks need to be deposited at the bank in a timely manner. Documents for driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations need to be handled correctly for every customer. Jerauld County residents should be able to pay their taxes without waiting weeks for checks to be cashed. They should be able to get their driver’s license and vehicle registration promptly and with confidence that it was all handled properly.
What is your vision of the future of the county over the next five years?
In the next 5 years I would like to see Jerauld County and its residents not just survive, but grow and thrive. Our Highway Dept. does an outstanding job keeping our roads in good condition. Our Sheriff’s Dept. goes above and beyond to keep us safe and our community secure. Our EMTs are always there when we need them. We have several programs in place like 4-H, the county health nurse, and the Horizon Clinic that are excellent additions to our community. I would like to see Jerauld County leadership continue to support their constituents & employees so we can all live and work in a safe, happy, thriving community. I am excited to support that effort as your Jerauld County Treasurer.
LISA YOUNIE
What motivates you to want to run for the office of Jerauld County Treasurer?
I enjoy working with people. And I feel the Treasurer position is a position that needs a friendly but, professional business person like myself. I feel that I am the right candidate for this position. Working with patrons of Jerauld County has made myself really motived and excited to want this Treasurer Positions. I also understand how important this position is in working with the Tax Payers that make our community thrive and keep going. The Simplicity of wanting this position for myself is not just about the Job but, to make sure YOU as the customer is correctly taken care of in a timely efficient matter and still keep a good relationship at the end of the day.
What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as Jerauld County Treasurer?
Over 20 years of Customer Service. I have multi-tasked different computer programs in my working experiences. Have experienced working in the banking field by handling money with deposits and withdrawals. Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, payroll. I have had many responsibilities in different types of bookwork.
What will be your top issue to tackle if elected?
If I am elected as your Future Jerauld County Treasurer, I would be looking at going through the proper thorough training. Focusing on what the proper procedures are for preparing accurate records for you the patrons of Jerauld County.
What is your vision of the future of the county over the next five years?
I feel over the next 5 years there may be some changes within Treasurer office like a changing of Software that a person will have to just adjust and learn new. Changes in State regulation within the Treasurers position may or may not change over the next 5 years. And if and when those changes may or may not take place then you learn and adapt to the new changes. Personally, I believe once a you are in office for Treasurer you yourself can’t change any thing with the State. But You can change how you grow with your patrons of Jerauld County and make sure they are being taken care of in a rightful matter.