articles and letters to the editor

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https://www.thegazette.com/local-government/paul-talley-running-for-linn-county-treasurer/

CEDAR RAPIDS — A second candidate has announced he is entering the race for Linn County treasurer.

Paul Talley, 61, of Cedar Rapids, is running as a Republican. He said he has the desire to lead the Treasurer’s Office to be an “efficient and professional” team.

“With the help and joint cooperation of the Linn County Treasurer's Office, the Iowa (Department of Transportation) and the Linn County (Information Technology) department, there should be very little reason to come into the office for renewals, or payment of taxes in the future,” Talley said.

“To accomplish this it is imperative the payment technology be superior and secure. This would protect the Linn County residents and the Treasurer’s Office from potential fraud,” he said.

Talley attended school at DeVry University and Mount Mercy where he earned bachelor degrees in telecommunications management and business and finance. He also earned his master’s in business and human resources.

He is currently a lean sigma technician at Whirlpool in Amana.

“I work to maximize the efficiency within the plant to get the right parts to the production floor in a cyclical manner,” he said. “This experience should lend itself well to help efficiencies in the Treasurer’s Office.”

Talley said communication and transparency is essential in the office, and he would have an “open-door policy” if elected.

“I’ll be readily available as time and schedule will permit,” Talley said. “I’m not the type to avoid questions or suggestions. Every solution starts with a question, then a suggestion before a solution can come about.”

Talley joins former Linn County Supervisor and current county employee Brent Oleson in the race for the treasurer seat. Oleson, 51, announced his run last month. The former Republican-turned-Democrat was elected as a county supervisor in 2008 and served through 2020.

Current treasurer Sharon Gonzalez said she is retiring when her term ends this year.

Gonzalez, 61, has been Linn County treasurer since 2010 and a county employee since 1979. Gonzalez’s first job with the county was as a renewal clerk. She then worked as a title clerk and became deputy treasurer in 1986 under then-Treasurer Michael Stevenson. When he retired in 2010, Gonzalez ran for the job as a Democrat and won.

She now has a staff of 33 and four deputies. The treasurer’s job currently pays $119,198 per year.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com

https://www.thegazette.com/letters-to-the-editor/vote-talley-for-linn-county-treasurer/

 Phyllis Stalkfleet

Oct. 2, 2022 7:00 am

I am writing today to let you know what an excellent candidate I believe Paul Talley is. He is running for Linn County treasurer which is becoming vacant for the first time in many years. I am actually retired from there so I know first hand what kind of leadership it needs to excel, which is not a career politician.

Paul has “all the right stuff“ to make the changes the Treasurer’s Office needs both for the county and it's employees. He has degrees in all the pertinent areas, is an honest, caring people person, and believes in strong fair leadership. One of his goals would be to reduce spending while still giving you a pleasant, efficient office. In this political climate it is rare for someone to cross party lines, but I will for Paul, there is nothing political about this office and he is the right candidate for treasurer. I invite you to learn more about him at his website: rallywithtalleycampaign.com.

Phyllis Stalkfleet

Marion

https://www.thegazette.com/letters-to-the-editor/talley-for-linn-county-treasurer/

 Sharon Moffat

Oct. 23, 2022 8:32 am

Paul Talley is a man of integrity and humility. Paul understands that true leadership is about being an example, teaching and giving encouragement and credit to others. Paul has the determination and knowledge to resolve and grow. I am confident that Paul will give Linn County the efficiency, productivity and direction that we can all benefit from and be proud of.

Sharon Moffat

Hiawatha