Glenda Miller: Candidate Profile

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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: HarvardWebsite: www.glendamiller.comOffice sought: McHenry County Treasurer Age: 58Family: Husband (Paul), grown daughter and granddaughter with another grandchild on the way.Occupation: Chief Deputy TreasurerEducation: MBA, Aurora University BS, Columbia College Assoc Degree, McHenry County CollegeCivic involvement: Woodstock Professional Business Women United Way Volunteer Moose InternationalElected offices held: Harvard City Council Alderman 2nd Ward Chemung Township TrusteeQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?One of the principal responsibilities of the Treasurer's Office is the collection and distribution of property taxes. I was surprised to find how few people are aware of ways to reduce their own property taxes. A senior citizen recently wrote me, "I am so glad you are running for McHenry County Treasurer. You have the experience and heart for the job. I appreciate all you do. Keep up the good work." I am running to bring that level of customer service to each and every taxpayer.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?For the past seventeen-plus years, I have been the Chief Deputy Treasurer. In that capacity, I have been deeply involved in the development and implementation of the many advances that have taken the office from its paper past to its technological present. The challenge for the next Treasurer will be to build on those successes and take the Office into a bright internet future. I will improve the Treasurer's existing website to provide more detailed information on tax distributions, investment strategies and other Office operations.You would take over a fairly unknown office. Do you see any potential for collaboration with other local governments to get people more in tune with what the treasurer does and resources available?Twice a year, when property taxes are due, the Treasurer's Office is very familiar to McHenry County residents. As County Treasurer, I am already familiar with and to the local taxing bodies that levy the vast majority of those property taxes. It is my intention to partner with those units of government to deliver better service to their constituents. I will also work with elected and appointed County officials to make certain that residents are aware and take advantage of the assistance and services available to them. Government works for them, not the other way around.How do you assess the success of the treasurer's office on what you see as its chief duties? Do you see areas of the operation in need of improvement?In the public's mind, the Treasurer's chief responsibilities relate to property tax collection and distribution. We can always make improvements in those areas and we will. What most people don't realize is that the Treasurer is responsible for the stewardship of the county's finances and management of its investments. As Treasurer, I will both safeguard county funds and seek to maximize investment returns, reducing the burden on taxpayers. Along the same lines, McHenry County enjoys one of the highest credit ratings in the nation. I will do all that I can to protect and preserve that credit rating.Describe your position on transparency in the office and the ease of access to records by the public. How effective is the office's website and other outreach efforts in helping the public interact with the office and understand their government? If you believe improvements are needed, what are they and how would you go about achieving them?I believe transparency is essential to government and that public records are just that, public. As I wrote before, I intend to improve the Treasurer's existing website to provide more detailed information on tax distributions, investment strategies and other Office operations. Using social media, public appearances and personal visits to residents, I will expand outreach efforts to make certain that taxpayers understand the property tax system and how they can make certain they are not paying more than their fair share of the property tax burden.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?While some other elected officials concern themselves with issues beyond the scope of their official duties, I prefer to focus on the responsibilities of the County Treasurer. I know firsthand that all public officials must find meaningful ways to make themselves and the assistance they can provide available to residents. I have enjoyed my visits with taxpayers and by listening to their concerns I have been better able to assist them. I know that property taxes are virtually incomprehensible to the average taxpayer. As Treasurer, not only will I be available to individual taxpayers, so will all my employees.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Colin PowellWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Respect your elders along with being kind and helpful to all.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Visit every state in the Union.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Foreign language, German. I traveled to Germany and was able to communicate and experience the German culture.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat other people the way you would like them to treat you.