Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY TREASURER

The treasurer acts as custodian of all money belonging to the county. The treasurer shall receive all money coming to the county, and disburse money upon receiving the proper orders issed and attested by the county auditor.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Rose
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Mary Beth Wisniewski
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

Explain the responsibilities of the county treasurer and which one is most important.

What skills and experiences qualify you to be county treasurer?

One responsibility of the treasurer is to manage and distribute county funds in accordance with state and local laws. How will you ensure that funds are appropriately allocated?

Keeping accurate and detailed financial records is necessary to modernize county government. What steps should the treasurer take to ensure accuracy while operating transparently and efficiently?

What are some challenges you expect a new county treasurer may face when elected? How will you overcome these challenges?

Spring 2024 Candidate Video:

Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation/Current Position St. Joseph County Recorder
Education 1993 State of Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners/Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) Level II Certified Indiana Assessor-Appraiser; 2012 International Institute of Municipal Clerks-Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)
Campaign Phone 574-360-2002
Candidate video
The Treasurer acts as custodian of all money belonging to the county. The Treasurer shall receive all money coming to the county and disburse money upon receiving the proper orders issued and attested by the county auditor. The Treasurer is also the investment officer. It is vital to have internal controls to safeguard the assets of the county and maintain compliance. The most important responsibility is to keep records so that the money belonging to each fund shall be shown separately and money received for taxes shall be kept as a separate item until after the next settlement and transfer to the various funds has been made. This makes it imperative for the treasurer to have adequate records and keep them properly.
I am an Indiana Accredited Municipal Clerk (IAMC) from the Indiana League of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers; a Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC); and a Master Municipal Clerk from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. I have attained my Level I and Level II Certified Indiana Assessor-Appraiser accreditation from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). I began my public service in 1982 working for the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County, working in the Legal Department, City Clerk’s Office, Portage Township Assessor’s Office, Voter Registration and currently serve as the St. Joseph County Recorder. I believe that experience, creditability, and openness are of the utmost importance in serving the citizens of St. Joseph County.
By adhering to the Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines for County Treasurers of Indiana issued by the State Board of Accounts of the State of Indiana. Uphold responsibility as set for by State Statues and the Department of Local Government Finance timelines.
Adapting to change and modernizing county government is necessary, however, with that comes cyber-security concerns. I will continue to stay informed of these changes to ensure the integrity of the public’s personal information. To ensure accuracy, the treasurer should adhere to the State Board of Accounts guidelines and public accounting laws. To operate transparently and efficiently the treasurer needs efficient financial systems and to research best practices and current technology. This will help streamline services to provide friendly knowledgeable customer service.
Implementing easier methods to pay tax bills in person, on-line, and mail. I will continue to provide the staff with tools needed to be cross trained in the office. Network with the Indiana County Treasurers Association to learn and utilize best practices for the Treasurer’s office. Communication is an important component when overcoming challenges. As County Treasurer I will work closely and communicate with the various offices, staff, and vendors to ensure that the residents of St. Joseph County are provided with exemplary service.