Michelle Kunes

(Editor’s Note: The Express is re-running questions and answers from candidates for the Clinton County Treasurer’s office that were previously published before the Primary Election, to offer voters a refresher before the General Election.)

LOCK HAVEN — Incumbent Michelle Kunes is seeking to retain her seat for the office of Clinton County Treasurer during the General Election, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Kunes will be running against challenger Leslie Clukey, who secured her spot through write-ins on the Democrat ballot during the Primary Election in May.

The Express asked Kunes 10 questions related to her background and goals if she were to receive the nomination and move on to the General Election:

Q: What motivated you to run for office?

Kunes: I enjoy being the Treasurer and want to continue to serve the people of Clinton County as their Treasurer.

Q: What qualifications or experiences do you bring that make you a strong candidate?

Kunes: I have worked in the Treasurer’s office for 34 years. I was acting treasurer after the retirement of the former treasurer, Patricia Edwards. I was then appointed by the Governor in 2012, then ran for election in 2014 and have been serving as the treasurer for the last 14 years.

During my 34 years I know the checks and balances of handling the County’s financial accounts. I am also up to date with the real estate laws, and being an agent for the State, I am up to date with the Pa. Game and Fish Commission laws, as well as the Pa. agricultural laws, along with many other state licensing we do in my office.

Q: What would be your top three priorities if elected?

Kunes: Keeping the office running efficiently. Always available, no working from home.

Managing the taxpayers money responsibly and to continue to be the best, most qualified treasurer with all my years of service.

Q: What do you believe is the most overlooked issue in our community?

Kunes: N/A

Q: Where do you think new ideas or innovation could help save money, improve services or strengthen the community?

Kunes: Have the commissioners work with the treasurer so there wouldn’t be a need for a financial advisor.

Q: How would you approach budgeting and prioritizing spending in a tight fiscal environment?

Kunes: Stay on budget, keep spending at a minimum.

Q: How do you plan to keep residents informed and involved in decision-making?

Kunes: County website, www.clintoncountypa.gov, and the County has a Facebook page.

Q: What do you believe transparency in government looks like in practice?

Kunes: Open door policy and answer questions to the best of my knowledge.

Q: Have you ever had to make a difficult decision that went against popular opinion?

Kunes: Yes. When put in these situations, I think of what is in the best interest of the taxpayer and residents of Clinton County.

Q: What do you see as the ethical responsibilities of someone in this role?

Kunes: Managing the County’s finances with due diligence.

Q: What would you do if you saw unethical behavior among your colleagues?

Kunes: If unethical behavior would happen in my office I would correct the person, or if in a different department, I would let their department head or supervisor know what is happening.