To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for Renee Cole in her run for St. Lawrence County Treasurer.

I grew up in Madrid and have recently relocated back to St. Lawrence County. I had the opportunity to meet with Renee in her office to discuss her current position as deputy treasurer and her plans when she becomes county treasurer.

I learned that Renee and her staff are already deeply involved in examining the accounting records, updating bank reconciliations and discerning what needs to be done to prepare accurate data for taxpayers and county decision makers.

Firstly, let me explain why this election is important to me. I was Livingston County deputy treasurer for 12 years and Livingston County treasurer for 13 years before my retirement. I was active in the NYS County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association, serving as its president at one point in my career. I know how important this office is in county government and the impact the position has on county finances. I have a stake in this election because St. Lawrence County is again home to my husband and me.

Secondly, let me address the issue of Renee’s experience. Her work at the County Highway Department and Department of Social Services speaks volumes about her municipal accounting expertise. These are two of the largest county departments, receiving more state and federal aid than any other department and requiring extensive accounting knowledge to be able to maximize the receipt of this aid. Renee’s experience is far and above anyone else’s. Additionally, Renee already knows the county personnel and is familiar with different departments and how they interact with each other. This knowledge will allow her to be effective from day one of her tenure as county treasurer.

Thirdly, the office of county treasurer is all about cooperation with the county departments and the ability to gather financial information to prepare accurate financial reporting. It is a position that requires unique knowledge of state regulations and the desire to do whatever it takes to perform a difficult job effectively and with integrity. After my meeting with Renee, I am confident that she is the most qualified person to manage the county’s tax dollars and account for them accurately to be useful to the county legislature. Her expertise will also result in maximum state and federal aid, as well as successful independent audits. Renee will work well with the county departments to help them comply with the many state mandates requiring accurate accounting.

Lastly, I want to explain what the duties of county treasurer are and are not. The county treasurer basically accounts for all funds received and disbursed by the county and reports the results of these operations. The results are then reported to the legislature and various agencies for them to be able to make informed observations and decisions. It is not the treasurer who determines the tax rates and thus raises taxes, it is the County legislature. The county treasurer should not make policy decisions, but rather should carry out policies made by the legislature and provide support so that informed decisions can be made. Renee is the person who can do this reporting accurately in a useful, professional and timely manner.

Please join me in supporting and voting for the most qualified and experienced candidate for St. Lawrence County treasurer, Renee Cole.

Carolyn Day Taylor

Madrid