Two candidates are running for the position of Carbon County treasurer. Kevin Zelienka of Palmerton is on the Republican ticket and Fran Heaney of Nesquehoning is on the Democrat side.

The position is open since longtime treasurer Ron Sheehan is retiring at the end of this year.

The county treasurer will earn $66,346 in 2022 and a 2 percent increase is scheduled for 2023 for a salary of $67,673.

Fran Heaney

Nesquehoning

Democrat

Background: I have the qualities of dedication, experience and fiscal responsibility that is exactly what I represent as a “hands-on” public official. Appointed by the governor to the Clerk of Courts office in 2019, Heaney worked on cleaning up a three-year backlog of files left by the former clerk of courts.

Why are you are running for office: 15 years of service to the county. I reconciled an office that was over three years behind in caseload. Under my leadership, severely backlogged court orders were enforced, costs and fines were assessed and debts collected. Endorsed by Ron Sheehan, combined with my experience as administrator and an acquired in-depth knowledge of county processes and how they impact county finances makes me a qualified to be the next county treasurer.

Three main goals if elected: Accuracy in the handling of county revenues and disbursements and guiding the impact it has on the management of the county budget. Fiduciary experience ensures my ability to oversee the office efficiently and effectively. Apply the effective, dedicated leadership I had as a past official. Continue with the integrity our current office holder, Ron Sheehan, has carried for the past 20 years and work diligently and remain well-respected.

What is your understanding of the treasurer’s responsibilities and what would you do to make sure the office is run as efficiently as possible?: The need for accuracy in the handling of the county revenue and disbursements and the impact it has on the management of the county budget. Fiduciary responsibilities of being a member of the retirement board and efficiency when handling licensing issues for constituents.

Kevin Zelienka

Palmerton

Background: I was born and raised in Carbon County and graduated from Palmerton High School. I earned an associate degree from Keystone College and a BFA degree from the University of the Arts. I have over 35 years’ experience running my own small business as well as 25+ years of management, financial management, and supervisor experience. A few of my responsibilities include writing proposals, setting schedules, creating operating and capital budgets, leading and mentoring team members.

Why you are running: I want to give back to the community and I think this would be a good way of doing this. My extensive experience provides me with the necessary skill set to be a fiscally responsible, effective and progressive leader. That experience will not only benefit the county as a whole but the taxpayers directly through changes I plan to implement in the office to make accessible. I plan to continue the treasurer’s office success and make it a smooth transition.

Three main goals if elected: My first priority is to make the transfer of leadership as smooth as possible. My second goal is to ensure the success of the treasurer’s office by effectively working with the current staff. My third goal is to make the office more accessible to the public by providing online services for the public and implementing credit card payments to decrease cash flow through the office.

What is your understanding of the treasurer’s responsibilities and what would you do to make sure the office is run as efficiently as possible?: I understand the responsibility of the treasurer is processing all taxes and other monies due to the county. Additional duties include custody, disbursement and maintaining all records of financial transactions. The office also is an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for issuing of various licenses. These licenses include fishing, dog, hunting, bingo, small games of chance and sportsman firearm permits. The most important duty of a treasurer is to be a good custodian of the taxpayers’ money, which will always be my priority.