Working, innovating for all county residents

I would first like to say 'thank you” to everyone who has voted for me to be county treasurer for the last eight years. I am very honored to serve the great citizens of Linn County.

As a 39-year veteran of the office, I have been a part of many changes over the years, but none as fulfilling as what I have been able to accomplish since becoming your county treasurer. I have:

' Consolidated bank accounts, resulting in 57 percent decrease in bank fees

' Implemented new investment strategies that have increased Linn County's interest earnings by 373 percent over a 4-year period

' Reorganized in-person customer flow resulting in nearly 27 percent decrease in wait times

' Expanded office hours to better serve the public

' Cross-trained front-line staff to perform all motor vehicle and property tax duties of the office

' Installed a computer in the lobby to allow customers to make online registration and property tax payments during busy times

' Added a real-time link on our website to show the number of customers waiting as well as the average expected wait time

' Embraced Linn County's customer centered culture initiative implemented by the Board of Supervisors to make customer satisfaction and innovation a high priority

Much of what I have been able to accomplish is due to appointing effective and knowledgeable management staff. I am confident I have the right combination of personnel to assist me in continuing to move the office in a positive direction.

If re-elected, my focus will be on two major improvements:

' Implementing new tax software created by an Iowa-based company

' Creating a user-friendly website to access property information, including payment history regardless of payment type

The Board of Supervisors recently signed the contract to move forward with a new software. This software will allow data from the auditor, treasurer and both city and county assessor's offices to flow easily from one department to another. The ability of all offices to access the same data will create efficiencies that will save taxpayers time and the county money.

As a long time employee of the Treasurer's Office, I have not been complacent and will continue to strive to bring innovative ideas while staying focused on customer satisfaction. Please allow me to continue my efforts by casting your vote for me on Nov. 6.

' Sharon Gonzalez is a Democratic candidate for Linn County Treasurer.

All candidate guest columns in the Linn County Treasurer race:

' Sharon Gonzalez

' Denise Sotelo Westerhoff