Patricia A. “Pat” Edwards

Lamar Township

I am endorsing conservative Republican candidate Leslie Clukey for Clinton County Treasurer in the upcoming election.

After the incumbent won the Republican Primary Ballot slot in May, Leslie decided to run under the Democrat ticket in the 2025 General Election to give voters a better choice for county treasurer and put Leslie’s strong work ethic, financial experience, competence, honesty and reputation for getting things done accurately and on time to work to benefit all the people of Clinton County.

Voters in all political parties need to get out to vote on Nov. 4 and elect Leslie Clukey because current county Treasurer Michelle “Mick” Kunes is NOT efficiently running the Clinton County Treasurer’s Office. I am disappointed in Mick because I taught her and put policies and procedures in place that, if followed, ensured accurate, efficient, and timely operation of the Clinton County treasurer’s office. Unfortunately, those policies and procedures are not being followed.

A continuing deficiency in the treasurer’s office was mentioned by the outside audit firm, Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC, on Oct. 2. For the second year in a row the county treasurer’s office has not reviewed or reconciled Clinton County bank statements in a timely manner. Not having bank statements reconciled within 30 days of receipt makes it difficult for officials to make wise financial decisions; negatively impacts the county’s ability to initiate, record, and process financial data reliably; and requires time consuming adjustments to the county’s ledger for transactions that were not properly booked during the year.

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners issued a memo to the outside audit firm outlining a Corrective Action Plan on Sept. 25, 2024. The memo was signed by Clinton County Commissioners Russo, Snyder, Harding, AND by Clinton County Treasurer Michelle Kunes. The anticipated completion date and implementation of the five corrective actions for the audit “Finding 2023-001 — Bank Reconciliation” was to be Dec. 31, 2024, a very reasonable timeframe.

However, the Corrective Action Plan was not implemented and the outside auditors again found untimely bank reconciliations in the 2024 Fiscal year audit. It is inexcusable, irresponsible and shows lack of leadership and attention to important financial details by Treasurer Kunes to not have fulfilled and implemented the Corrective Action Plan to resolve this issue per the deadline in the memo she signed.

Unfortunately, there are many other deficiencies in the treasurer’s office, to include, but not limited to, funds deposited to incorrect accounts, staff unable to answer questions and assist citizens due to lack of training and timeliness issues with Real Estate Tax Sales which last year contributed $13,379,563 in revenue to the county coffers. Loss of revenue from Real Estate Tax Sales could result in the county having to raise taxes, which is not something you or I want to occur.

Your vote for Leslie Clukey will result in 1) an efficient and competently run treasurer’s office with all reports, bank reconciliations, tax sale matters and other treasurer’s office business completed correctly and on time; 2) staff that are well-trained to carry out the duties of their jobs and better serve the public; and 3) generating income to help prevent tax increases.

Leslie Clukey is the best and smartest choice to serve as our Clinton County Treasurer. I encourage all Clinton County voters to cast their vote for Leslie Clukey on Nov. 4.

Patricia A. “Pat” Edwards served as Clinton County Treasurer from 1997 to 2011.