Jeffrey L. Pripusich: 2022 candidate for Kane County Treasurer

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Kane County Treasurer

City: North Aurora

Age: 62

Occupation: Credit & Collections Manager

Previous offices held:

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I was invited to run for Kane County Treasurer by a long time friend and North Aurora Trustee in October of 2021. I am a 23 year resident of Kane County and have over 37 years of corporate accounts receivable experience in the private sector (25 years in management). I am confident I can couple this experience with my team-focused management style and positive energy to breathe new life into this office. I'm not a career politician and I want to embody the true meaning of public service. One issue that stands out is the customer service experience for Kane County Tax Payers. They deserve transparency and courteous professionalism and that's needs to be improved on and I will ensure that happens on day one.

Q: 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 position and what would your priority be?

A: As noted in my answer as to why I'm running for this office, I believe my experience coupled with my team building skills and team focused management style, uniquely qualifies me for a smooth transition from the private sector into this elected office. My priority would be to engage in a thorough review of the investment policy with the Treasurer's staff to ensure the strategy is in line with three key components: Safety, Liquidity and Performance. The county revenue investments need to be performing at the highest level possible delivering consistent growth without putting the principal at risk. Part and parcel with this would be to ensure the entire staff is equipped to fulfill their potential in each of their respective roles toward the success of the Treasurer's office and in coordination with the other offices to improve the overall customer service experience.

Q: What special qualifications does a county treasurer need that may not apply to other county offices? What professional qualifications or experiences do you possess that will help ensure your success as treasurer?

A: The county treasurer needs to have the education and experience connected with making sound financial decisions connected with both investments and handling of property tax billing, collection of payments and timely distribution of those monies to the taxing bodies in accordance with state statutes. As part of my 37 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, I have been in a management capacity for the past 25 years and for the past ten years have been with a major sand and minerals production company with annual sales in excess of $1 billion. My responsibilities include submission of several monthly, quarterly and annual reports in coordination with the V.P. of Finance and CFO. I earned my B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College and previously served four years as Treasurer for a non-profit theatre company in Batavia and am currently serving as Financial Secretary for the Knights of Columbus council in North Aurora.

Q: Name one concrete program you'll create or personnel move you'll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.

A: On day one, I will sit down with the entire staff to gain an understanding of each person's role within the office of treasurer. I will see to it that they all have the tools that they need to realize their potential to both individually and collectively ensure that the office of treasurer runs efficiently and at the highest level of productivity. Part of this process is to learn what is needed (education, equipment, materials, process changes, fair pay) to supplement what is already in place to ensure everyone understands and appreciates their roles and realizes their value. Any required changes that are not covered as part of the Treasurer's office budget will be presented to the board and budget/finance committee outlining the importance and necessity of the changes as to cost/benefit towards implementing same.