Jeri Atleson: Candidate Profile

Back to Lake County Treasurer

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: MundeleinWebsite: www.atlesonfortreasurer.comOffice sought: Lake County Treasurer Age: 37Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: Indiana University, Kelley School of BusinessMinor, SpanishCPA (Certified Public Accountant)Civic involvement: Fremont Township TrusteeWeekly Room Mom, Washington School, MundeleinDistrict 75 PTO MemberGirl Scouts (Brownies) Cookie Mom Assistant Cookie MomB'nai B'rith Lodge 2458 Board MemberCongregation Or Shalom Membership and Caring Committees MemberCongregation Or Shalom Sisterhood MemberElected offices held: Trustee, Fremont Township, April 2013-CurrentTrustee, Fremont Public Library District, 2010-April 2013Treasurer, Fremont Public Library District, 2012-April 2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?Our property taxes are among the highest in the nation. As a CPA, I have the skills and experience to help educate people about how their property taxes are calculated. During a time when so many homeowners are struggling to pay their property taxes, empowering people with knowledge has never been more important.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?I am a CPA running for Treasurer, not a lawyer or a career politician. I have experience performing Treasurer duties for various organizations. I also do not believe we have to raise the levy (taxes) every year in order not to miss out on revenue.What would you change about the way the office operates? Why?I would freeze the budget during my first year in office. I plan to develop and implement a citizen outreach program that educates homeowners on understanding their property tax bill. I bring accounting skills to the office that allows me to have a hands on understanding of how the office works.What makes you qualified for the position?I am a CPA, where I worked in the public accounting field for 8 tax seasons. My experience includes a variety of accounting work such as audits, tax returns, financial statement preparation, down to the basic journal entry. I have also served on two local taxing boards, serving as Treasurer on one of those boards.Describe your investment strategy for county funds.The options for investing taxpayer and county funds are restricted because there are several statutes and laws governing the investments of taxpayer money to ensure the safety of those funds. Following those statutes and others and maintaining required liquidity levels will be of the highest priority.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?I will not take a taxpayer-funded pension. I will invest in a self-directed retirement plan. My husband and I have been married for 12 years and reside in Mundelein with our 2 girls.