Linn County Treasurer candidates want to make the office more efficient

CEDAR RAPIDS — As longtime Democratic Linn County Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez finishes her final term, two candidates are vying for the open seat in the Nov. 8 election.

Former Linn County supervisor and current county deputy director of public policy and community relations Brent Oleson, a Democrat, is running against Paul Talley, a Republican who is a lean sigma technician — focusing on process improvement — at Whirlpool in Amana.

The Linn County Treasurer administers finances, banking services, cash management and investments for the county. The office also receives all money payable to the county and acts as the central depository for all county offices and departments.

The department has a staff of 33 and four deputies. The treasurer’s job currently pays $119,198 a year.

Both candidates say their primary mission is to make the office more efficient for residents using the services, such as paying property taxes or renewing vehicle registration online.

“One of the things I’ve watched over the years is how companies are using PayPal and Square that have revolutionized banking for the average consumer,” Oleson, 52, said. “You're not having to go to the bank to do routine transactions and it's my intention to work with (the Iowa Department of Transportation) and state agencies that prescribe how you have to do car title transfers or (pay) property taxes. That’s going to require a good five years of working with other treasurers and the Legislature and the DOT to modernize how we do business as a county. That's my goal.”

“I want Linn County to be a model,” said Talley, 61. “I want to have close to 70 percent of all transactions online by the end of four years. I think we could include checklists online where people can check their own paperwork and we could have people able to assist through online chat instead of calling for people who prefer that option.”

Oleson, a Republican-turned-Democrat, announced in August 2020 he would not seek re-election as a supervisor. He has a law degree from the University of Iowa and also serves on the Linn County Conservation Board.

Talley attended school at DeVry University and Mount Mercy University where he earned bachelor degrees in telecommunications management and business and finance. He also earned his master’s in business and human resources.

Oleson said his dozen years with the county give him the experience needed to take over one of the county’s busiest departments.

“I think that will help me accomplish the long-term strategic vision,” Oleson said. “I think it equips me to deal with everything going forward.”

Talley said his character traits and work ethic are what he would bring to the table if elected county treasurer.

“I work very well under stress. I’m hardly ever rattled,” he said. “I’m willing and prepared to put the time in to make that office the best it can be. I want to get everyone on the same page and make it smoother.”

All Linn County residents will see the treasurer race on their ballots, as the position serves the entire county.

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