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Nalley challenges Celestino for Sandusky Co.
Treasurer
10/23/2008-The Clyde
Enterprise
Editor's Note: To help our
readers become more informed voters, The Bellevue
Gazette will publish brief information on candidates in
contested political races that will appear on the Nov. 4
ballot. Candidates were sent questionnaires. Following
is information on the candidates running for Sandusky
County Treasurer, incumbent Irma Celestino, a
Republican, and Democrat Don Nalley Jr.
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Irma G. Celestino, 52, resides at 807 Lime St., Fremont.
She is in her first term serving as the Sandusky County
Treasurer.
She is a 1974 Fremont Ross High and Vanguard Vocational
Center graduate and attended Terra Community College.
Celestino is married to Francisco and has a daughter,
Sara. She is a member of Sacred Heart Church, Fremont;
the Community Health Services Foundation Board; the
Sandusky County Republican Women; is president of the
Guadalupe Society of St. Joseph Church; the St. Casimir
Endowment Board; the Fremont Lions Club; and is
president of Voces Unidas.
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Don Nalley, 51, resides at 1027 Buckland Ave., Fremont.
He is the director of Adult Services/CEO at Sandco
Industries for the Sandusky County Board of Mental
Retardation & Developmental Disabilities since 1979. He
has served on Fremont City Council since 2002.
He received his bachelor of science degree in 1979 from
Bowling Green State University, has attended post
graduate courses and continuing education and has
certification from the Ohio Municipal League Training
Academy.
Nalley is married to Kathleen and has two children, Meg
and Paul. He is a member of the Sandusky County Chamber
of Commerce (past chairman; the TRIPS Rural Transit
Advisory Board; the Ohio Association of Adult Services
(past president); the Northwest Ohio Directors
Association (past president and treasurer); the Sandusky
County Council for Persons with Mental Retardation; the
Northcoast Regional Advisory Committee; the Sandusky
County WIA Advisory Board (past chair); the Sandusky
County Township Trustees Association; the United Way of
Sandusky County; the Kiwanis Club of Fremont (past
president); and the Candlelighter Childhood Cancer
Foundation of Northwest Ohio (past secretary).
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Why are you seeking the office?
"I am seeking re-election of this office because I have
proven to the taxpayers of Sandusky County that my
experience of 34 years of county government has brought
new leadership and public trust into the treasurer's
office," said Celestino.
"A change is needed in the Office of Sandusky County
Treasurer and I believe I have the financial,
organizational, and management skills that are needed to
effectively operate this office. In announcing I was
going to run for the Office of Sandusky County Treasurer
I made reference to the most recent audit of Sandusky
County by the Auditor of the State of Ohio. This
reference was because the Auditor of the State of Ohio
determined the current treasurer had not reconciled the
checkbook the entire year of 2006 and into 2007, until
the auditor came to conduct their annual audit. This
resulted in adjustments of over $150,000," said Nalley.
What are top three goals if elected?
The current system we use to process all tax payments is
outdated and could possibly become obsolete in the near
future. The Treasurer's Tax Duplicate books are
permanent records, which cannot be destroyed. These
books are large and heavy. With technology going
paperless, I feel it is imperative to have the Tax
Duplicate books scanned or imaged. To form a county
"Save our Home Task Force" to help those who are in need
of foreclosure intervention education, assistance, and a
helping hand at a very stressful time in their lives,"
said Celestino.
"1. Balancing the checkbook. Based on the fact the
current County Treasurer did not reconcile the checking
account for well over a year, I am very concerned this
basic requirement of the County Treasurer's Office has
not been maintained. This is not acceptable. It is
critical sound accounting practices are maintained. 2.
Foreclosure assistance. With the increasing number of
families who are experiencing the foreclosure process in
Sandusky County I believe strongly the County Treasurer
should be involved in coordinating and providing
information and resources to individuals, families and
financial institutions. Foreclosures in Sandusky County
have increased from 193 in 2003 to 341 in 2007. The
County Treasurer should be providing leadership in this
area and not waiting until next year. 3. Management of
investments. In these tough economic times the Sandusky
County Treasurer must maintain an ongoing review of
investments and management services to ensure the
maximum safety and earnings of invested funds," said
Nalley.
How will you work to accomplish them?
"This will be a joint effort with the Sandusky County
Auditor to meet with companies that provide software
packages for the tax payment system. In the past, I
visited other counties and networked with them to get
referrals and feedback on similar projects. The Tax
Duplicates books are currently stored in the courthouse
attic, which is not climate controlled, causing storage
problems, and adding to the weight problem. In order to
resolve this problem, the permanent records will have to
be scanned or imaged to a CD. A second copy of the
permanent record would be stored off site should a
natural disaster occur. This information would be
readily available for the public's use. To form a "Save
our Home Task Force" would consist of networking with
the State Treasurer's Office. This task force is a
volunteer group which consists of organization and
business including realtors, mortgage lenders,
attorneys, elected officials, non-profits including
legal aid and community action, builders, chambers of
commerce, united way agencies and other community
stakeholders. Networking with Task Force would help to
educate and assist those in need," said Celestino.
"To complete a comprehensive assessment of the
requirements and responsibilities of the Treasurer's
Office to ensure that all areas are being addressed and
completed as required by the Ohio Revised Code and
Policies & Procedures of Sandusky County. Based on these
results I will establish and maintain sound accounting
principles. I will be proactive in working with person
or entity that can help families facing the possibility
of foreclosure. In particular, getting the information
out to families regarding programs developed by the
Treasurer of the State of Ohio called "Save Our Homes"
and the Department of Commerce called "Save The Dream"
may be the resources families need now," said Nalley.
What are the biggest issues facing the office?
"Delinquent taxes. During these economic times, it has
become difficult for some citizens to catch up on their
delinquent taxes. Foreclosures. In Sandusky County
foreclosure filings have been on the rise. In 2005 there
were 232 filings; in 2006, 303; in 2007, 341; and as of
August 29, 2008, 314," said Celestino.
"The top three goals noted above (balancing the
checkbook, foreclosure assistance, and management of
investments) sum up the biggest issues facing the
office. Completing a comprehensive assessment of the
Treasurer's Office will begin the process of
establishing sound accounting practices," said Nalley.
Additional comments:
"I am committed to providing continued quality services
that will better serve the taxpayers of Sandusky County
while at the same time using resources more effectively
and efficiently. I have been County Treasurer for three
years and have 34 years of public service experience. I
know what can be done to enhance the operation of the
Treasurer's Office and would appreciate the opportunity
to continue to be a public servant to the citizens of
Sandusky County," said Celestino.
"I have been responsible for the financial operation of
Sandco Industries and overall operations of Adult
Services for the Sandusky County Board of Mental
Retardation & Developmental Disabilities for over 29
years. My main strength is I am a leader who possesses
quality management and financial experiences. I value
effective and efficient operation of the office and will
maintain quality customer service to the citizen's of
Sandusky County. I will provide leadership in areas such
as foreclosure, credit counseling, and small business
assistance. 'Reinventing the wheel' is not necessary
based on the programs that are already available to our
citizen's...we need to educate and inform them. I am a
public servant who has the skills and passion necessary
to properly operate the County Treasurer's Office, as
required. This includes maintaining a timely balanced
checkbook," said Nalley. |
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Celestino,
Nalley in race for treasurer
By LESLIE BIXLER • Staff writer • October 4, 2008-News Messenger
FREMONT -- Don Nalley is concerned about accountability in the
Sandusky County Treasurer's Office.
So concerned that the Democrat --who currently serves on the
Fremont City Council -- is challenging incumbent Irma Celestino,
a Republican, for her job in the Nov. 4 general election.
Nalley's chief complaint dates to 2006 regarding an unreconciled
checkbook balance that occurred.
"We need to make sure we know where every dollar is and that
it's recorded and spent properly," Nalley said.
Celestino counters that the situation was not as dire as Nalley
portrays.
"Everything was balanced and accounted for, and it balanced to
the penny," Celestino said. "The checkbook is reconciled every
month and has been."
She explained the problem centered on an unreconciled item for a
county department. The $2,600 amount continued to carry forward
and that was throwing off the monthly balancing.
Since then, she added, the State Auditor's Office made
recommendations to prevent the issue from occurring again.
That doesn't satisfy Nalley though.
He pointed out the county treasurer handles all investments,
which get interest, and when that interest is paid it's set up
to go in the county's checking account.
He says Celestino didn't know there was $152,664 in there
because it wasn't recorded. He also said monthly financial
reports she submitted to the Sandusky County Commissioners were
incorrect because she didn't balance, which led to budget cuts
for the county. Celestino says that's not the case. The interest
income collected for 2006 was $2.1 million, a 69 percent
increase in her first year of office, according to Celestino.
She said commissioners cut the budget becauses expenses exceed
revenues.
According to findings from the Ohio State Auditor's Office, the
county treasurer did not perform monthly reconciliations during
2006. This resulted in the need to request the treasurer to
perform bank reconciliations for each month of that year.
Additional audit time was necessary to complete the review, and
resulted in audit adjustments totaling $152,664.
However, that amount was not a negative balance, and at that
time they had two different state auditing teams giving her two
different ways to record, which resulted in the extra $152,664,
according to Celestino.
"We balanced with the county auditor's office after the
adjustment was made," she said.
Some recommendations made by the State Auditor's Office included
performing monthly bank reconciliations, investment balances,
detail listings of all reconciling items and fund balances. The
monthly bank reconciliations are then submitted to the audit
committee for their monthly review.
Down the hall from Celestino's office is that of Sandusky County
Auditor Bill Farrell.
The auditor said Wednesday the lack of reconciling didn't stop
the county from functioning.
"The good thing was that the bank had more money than she did,"
Farrell said, noting by not reconciling monthly, you don't know
the cash balance at the bank.
"We would balance but she also has to reconcile with the bank,"
he said, noting because he was not made aware of the issue and
paperwork not being filed, it just didn't get on the county's
book.
The treasurer's position is a four-year term. The job pays
$53,214 annually. Celestino is looking to voters to return her
to the position for a second term.
Since Celestino has been treasurer, she started the new tax
bill, online payments and traveling to different communities
such as Clyde, Bellevue, Gibsonburg, Woodville and Fremont in
June so people could pay their taxes when gasoline prices
reached an all-time high this year in the area. She said going
out to the different communities was a success.
"To me, that's community outreach," she said.
As for the online payments, she said, "They can go online and
pay by phone or credit card."
During her term, she's also noticed an increase in delinquent
taxes. As a result, her office began providing those people with
a payment plan.
Celestino also plans to form a county Save Our Homes taskforce,
which is a program developed by the Ohio State Treasurer's
Office. This would be intervention and education from community
organizations that is aimed to prevent foreclosure -- a growing
problem locally as well as throughout the nation.
Nalley is in his second term of Fremont City Council. He is
chairman of the Finance and Labor Committee and serves on the
audit committee.
Since 1979 he has been the director of Adult Services for the
Sandusky County Board of Mental Retardation and Development
Disabilities and serves as the chief executive officer of Sandco
Industries. He believes he is qualified to be the county
treasurer because of his oversight of the Sandco finances.
"I'm very involved in finances of city council and served as
treasurer of several organizations," Nalley said. "Those don't
compare to the budget at the county level. ... But I'm somebody
who's organized and has good management skills and reaches out
to work with other people."
Nalley also wants to work on foreclosure assistance with the
Save Our Homes program. He said his first task upon taking
office as treasurer would be to complete a comprehensive
assessment of the requirements and responsibilities of the
office.
E-mail Leslie Bixler at
lbixler@gannett.com |
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The top two issues relative to the Office of Sandusky County
Treasurer that I would like to address are:
Balancing the
Checkbook & Foreclosure Assistance
Regarding the issue
of Balancing the Checkbook
I indicated in my Press Release, earlier this year, when I
announced that I was going to run for this Office that I was
very concerned about the most recent audit of Sandusky County by
the Auditor of the State of Ohio.
This reference was made because the Auditor of the State of Ohio
determined that the current County Treasurer had not reconciled
the checkbook the entire year of 2006 and into 2007, until the
Auditor came to conduct their 2006 Annual Audit in May of 2007.
This resulted in adjustments to the account of over $150,000 and
a finding against Sandusky County.
Upon completion of this Audit in late 2007 the Bank
Reconciliations were only caught up through July of 2007.
Based on the fact that the current County Treasurer did not
reconcile the checking account over this long period of time I
am very concerned that the basic integrity of the accounting
practices of this office are being maintained. The lack of
completing these reconcilements resulted in inaccurate financial
reports and effected the budgeting process.
It is critical that sound accounting practices are maintained
and when elected to this office the citizen’s of Sandusky County
can rely on me to meet this expectation.
Foreclosure
Assistance
With the increasing number of families who are experiencing the
Foreclosure Process in Sandusky County I believe strongly that
the County Treasurer should be involved in coordinating and
providing information and resources to individuals, families and
financial institutions.
Foreclosures in Sandusky County have increased from 193 in 2003
to 341 in 2007. The County Treasurer should be providing
leadership in this area and not waiting until next year.
I will be proactive in working with any person or entity that
can to help these families. In particular, getting the
information out to families regarding programs such as those
developed by
the Treasurer of the State of Ohio called "Save Our Homes", the
Department of Commerce called "Save The Dream".
And the many resources being offered through coordinated efforts
of local financial institutions, like the Fremont Federal Credit
Union and the WSOS Community Action Commission.
My first task upon taking office as Sandusky County Treasurer
would be to complete a comprehensive assessment of the
requirements and responsibilities of the Treasurer's Office.
This is to ensure that all areas are being addressed and
completed as required by the Policies and Procedures of Sandusky
County and the Ohio Revised Code.
I am a Public Servant who has the skills and passion necessary
to properly operate the County Treasurer's Office and would
appreciate your support. |
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Dear Friends and Supporters:
You are invited to a
Unique Fundraiser on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
at the Peking Chinese Restaurant, 2101 West State Street,
Fremont, Ohio 43420 (supporting a local small business)
Please come hungry and enjoy Beef
Chop Suey, Chicken & Pea Pods, Sweet & Sour Pork, Egg Rolls,
Fried Rice, White Rice, Tea, and Soft Drinks. A Cash Bar will
be available.
The cost of attending this event
is the Donors Choice and checks should be made payable to:
Nalley Election Committee
If you are unable to attend and
would like to make a donation please send to:
Nalley Election Committee
Attn: Fred Recktenwald, Treasurer
1604 McPherson Blvd., Fremont, Ohio 43420
Feel free to invite other
supporters.
For more information contact: Don Nalley at 419-307-0126
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Dear Friend/Supporter
A change is needed in the Office
of Sandusky County Treasurer and I believe I have the Financial,
Organizational, and Management Skills that are needed to
effectively operate this Office.
I commit to you that I will:
-get resources to families facing
foreclosure
-be responsive to the needs of our Townships, Villages, and
Schools
-bring you online/internet your real estate tax information
-manage the investment of your tax dollars
-maintain sound accounting practices
-and I will Balance the Checkbook
In my Press Release, earlier this
year, announcing that I was going to run for the Office of
Sandusky County Treasurer I made reference to the most recent
audit of Sandusky County by the Auditor of the State of Ohio.
This reference was made because the Auditor of the State of Ohio
determined that the current County Treasurer had not reconciled
the checkbook the entire year of 2006 and into 2007, until the
Auditor came to conduct their 2006 Annual Audit. This resulted
in adjustments of over $150,000.
Thank You in advance for your
support in helping elect me “your” Sandusky County Treasurer,
Don
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A FORM TO BRING WITH YOU |
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Nalley to run for Sandusky County Treasurer
Printed in The News Messenger-February
1, 2008
Don Nalley has
filed to run for Sandusky County Treasurer.
“I have decided
to run for County Treasurer because there is an identified need
for the fiscal and organizational management skills that I have
to offer.” “I am very concerned with the results of the most
recent Audit by the State of Ohio” said Nalley.
He indicates
that if elected to serve as Sandusky County Treasurer he will:
-Provide the
highest level of financial accountability and efficient
operation of the office.
-Invest tax
dollars to highest potential yield while maintaining the safety
of funds.
-Work
cooperatively and effectively with fellow County Offices.
-Will provide
quality and timely service to citizens.
-Maximize the
use of local banks and financial resources.
Nalley is in
his second term on Fremont City Council. He is Chair of the
Finance and Labor Committee and serves on the Audit Committee.
Other committees he serves on are County and Governmental
Relations and Community Partnership. He has also received
Certification by the Ohio Municipal League.
Don Nalley is a
graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of
Science Degree.
Since 1979 he
has been the Director of Adult Services for the Sandusky County
Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and
serves as the CEO of Sandco Industries.
Some of his
Professional Accomplishments have included: current Chair of the
Board of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County, serving as
a current Board Member and past Campaign Chair of the United Way
of Sandusky County, past Chair of the Workforce Investment Act
Board of Sandusky County, and past President of the Ohio
Association of Adult Services.
Community
Involvement has included: Chair of the Fremont Sesquicentennial
Celebration, past President of the Kiwanis Club of Fremont,
Eucharistic Minister and past Chair of the 1992 Building
Campaign and Finance Council of St. Joseph Parish, and
Vice-Chair of the Fremont City School Levy Campaign.
As a result of
Nalley’s leadership and commitment to his community he has been
recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of
Sandusky County, received the Liberty Bell Award by the Sandusky
County Bar Association, the Mary Recktenwald Volunteer Award by
the United Way of Sandusky County, and Excellence in Education
Recognition by the Fremont Board of Education.
Don is married
to Kathleen and has two children, Meg and Paul.
“I am running
for the office of Sandusky County Treasurer because I believe we
are entering tough economic times and the taxpayers need to have
confidence and trust in the person they entrust their
hard-earned tax dollars to” said Nalley. |
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Paid for by Nalley Election Committee, Fred Recktenwald,
Treasurer, 1604 McPherson Blvd, Fremont Ohio 43420 |
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