First and Last Name
Jimmy Albarran
Campaign Phone
219-364-0368
Campaign Address and Email
jim.albarran@gmail.com
Social Media and Website Links
facebook.com/CitizensForAlbarran and jimmyalbarran.com
I was deputized eight years ago as the Chief Deputy Treasurer and have run the Treasurer's office on a day to day basis these past eight years. I also come to the office with real job experience in IT, accounting, tax and tax compliance. I have specific experience with fund accounting as used in government. Broad direct experience is helpful in this small staff office.
A kind and calm approach is important in dealing with taxpayers behind in their taxes or upset with increases. Having served as an ordained minister 30 years, I have demonstrated the composure to assist and find solutions where possible.
Tax billing related to parcels that have been split then sold. For technical reasons, these bills go to the seller, not the buyer. This is beyond the Treasurer's legal control and has occurred for more than a decade. This has caused non-collection of tax and can leave buyers with years of unexpected taxes. The last 2-3 years we have written personalized letters to inform recent buyers. Prior accounts in this situation are harder to solve if the properties have changed hands multiple times. The Treasurer will need to work with other elected officials to find the legal authority to solve some of the more complicated cases.
I have also started the discussion to move the county to standardize mailing addresses, not currently used.
I would like to better engage with the public to understand their tax bills and better understand our online systems with some of the shortfalls inherent in Indiana property tax.
Of course we need transparency. All meetings are public, video recorded, and posted online. I'm not aware of transparency issues, but would be open if a shortfall is brought forward. Understand that the Treasurer is a non-voting member of the board.
It takes two years to train a deputy treasurer. Direct knowledge and experience in office as well as kindness and composure are the important factors in choosing a Treasurer. This office is not political in that it does not decide spending or county policy.
I have worked for a better taxpayer experience, efficiency, standardization and reporting. I have been instrumental in coordinating accounting between offices and I have automated processes that just make the office hum at a better level.
I am at your service. Ask any question, I am glad to assist, or at least point you in the right direction. I am about solutions.
First and Last Name
Laura Shurr Blaney
Campaign Phone
219-405-4029
Campaign Address and Email
laurashurrblaney@gmail.com
Experience: I've been part of Porter County Government for almost 20 years. I'm finishing up my 3rd term as County Commissioner and prior I was on the County Council for two terms. I've been President of the Porter County Government Foundation for the past 5 years. I know how local government works. Further, I come from a family of small business owners and understand the importance of excellent customer service.
Education: I hold a BS and MS from Purdue University, and I'm in my second year of law school (part-time weekend program) at Loyola University.
Personal Characteristics: Attention to detail, Ability to think outside the box, integrity, hard working, ability to develop and maintain positive relationships in all areas of government
One major challenge Porter County faces in this economic climate is that of taxpayers struggling to pay their taxes. I will do whatever I can within the confines of the law to help taxpayers create payment plans and avoid losing their homes.
Another challenge is the ability to attract and maintain excellent staff. Historically we have been able to hire top notch people due to our excellent work culture and benefits package even though our salaries do not match that of the public sector. I feel we need to refocus our efforts on maintaining a positive culture. As treasurer, I will make it an important part of my effort with weekly staff meetings, clear policies and guidelines for staff to follow; and I will hold them equally accountable.
The current treasurer is doing a good job. I would build on and refine what she has created. I would clean up the website a little bit and make sure any information a taxpayer might need is easily accessible. I would also place a renewed emphasis on customer service. The Treasurer's office should be friendly, approachable and helpful. When taxpayers are struggling to pay taxes, we should be ready to serve with any and all information regarding payment options that are provided for under state law.
The Porter Co Gov Foundation is transparent and accessible to residents. All meetings are publicly noticed and take place in the evening directly before County Council meetings. Public comment is taken at every meeting. Porter County even has a system where you can sign up for alerts regarding various meetings, including foundation meetings.
Money received by the County from the Foundation is not appropriated by the Foundation, but rather the Council. Each year the Council publicly decides how Found. funds will be spent during their budget session. There is notice and multiple public budget hearings. The Foundation is audited annually and the audit is posted on the county website. Also, all meeting minutes appear on the county website.
I look forward to potentially becoming the next County Treasurer. As a taxpayer, I know the frustration that can arise when you get sent from office to office, and can never quite seem to get your questions answered. I will run a treasurer's office with staff that is well informed and ready to help the public. If we don't have an answer, we will gladly do the work to find it. We will greet all taxpayers with smiles and respect.
The Foundation has been very successful in investing taxpayer dollars. It has added almost 40 million to the general fund (while growing the principal for future generations), which has allowed for the lowest income tax rate in the state. I will bring what I've learned as President there to my role as Treasurer.
