Colleen Hansen

Democrat

Resident of Webster City

for 42 years

Colleen Hansen

Background:

I was raised in Logan in southwest Iowa and attended Commercial Extension Business College in Omaha, Nebraska, after graduating from Logan-Magnolia High School. My first “real job” was at Mutual of Omaha in the Life Claims Department. After moving to Webster City in 1976, I worked at Electrolux in the Marketing and Purchasing Departments for ten years. In 1987, I accepted a position at the Hamilton County Engineer’s Office as the Office Manager and still hold that position after nearly 31 years. My primary duties and responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll along with customer and employee service.

Both of my boys were raised in Webster City and graduated from Webster City High School. Gabe Burkhart and his wife Christy live in Urbandale, where Gabe is a Probation Officer for the State of Iowa. Garett Burkhart and his significant other, Lindsey Wille, live on an acreage north of Stratford. Garett is employed as a Manufacturing Engineer at Thermomass in Boone. The pride and joy of my life are my three grandchildren – Mason, Hailey, and Tach.

Why are you running for treasurer?

I have been exploring the possibility of running for County Treasurer since the current Treasurer started talking about her upcoming retirement. As a long-time resident of Hamilton County, I want to see the County continue to grow and prosper. I can contribute to that future growth by managing the day-to-day operations of the Treasurer’s Office in an effective and transparent way, leading and advocating for Hamilton County at the County and State levels, and investing County funds strategically and wisely.

What special skills do you bring to the job? What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am very knowledgeable and experienced with County and State accounting policies, procedures, and functions. In my current position, I am responsible for monitoring a $5,878,000 budget for Secondary Roads and for preparing payroll for 30 employees in the Secondary Roads Department. By comparison, the Treasurer’s Office budget is $368,500 with payroll for 5.5 employees.

Hamilton County has close to 400 drainage districts, with each district having its own fund and earning its own interest. The County invests in outstanding drainage warrants as an investment tool. I have a very good understanding of Drainage Districts from experience in the Engineer’s Office, which will benefit directly to the County Treasurer position.

Providing exceptional customer service to primarily rural Hamilton County residents in a respectful and courteous manner has always been a personal priority for me. I’m ready to serve the entire county with that same level of professionalism and efficiency.

Are there changes you feel are needed in the Hamilton County Treasurer’s office?

The Driver’s License Department is currently open only 2.5 days a week. In order to better serve the residents of Hamilton County, my plan is to research the possibility of having the Driver’s License Department open every day. With 88 percent of the Treasurer’s Office budget dedicated to wages and benefits, a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of each position in the office is in order. Publicizing information required for transactions at the Treasurer’s Office will be a priority so the residents of Hamilton County can complete their transactions with one stop at the Courthouse. I strongly support and will promote continued online business transactions to make the office as efficient as possible and serve the public at their convenience.

What challenges do think you’ll face in the job?

I anticipate the greatest challenge to be working to meet the needs of the residents of Hamilton County with reduced revenue coming from the State level each year. The County Treasurer is the key investment officer for all funds of the county, and I will work closely with department heads and elected officials to monitor county tax revenues and expenditures, which will allow the maximum amount of funds to be invested until the time the funds are needed.

What else would you like voters to know?

I am a member of the Iowa County Engineer’s Office Organization and served as a past Secretary of this organization. I also serve on the Solution’s Engineer’s Advisory Board, the software provider for all accounting and payroll functions for the entire County. I am a member of the Webster City Church of Christ.

Judy Warwick

Republican

Lifelong resident

of Hamilton

Judy Warwick

Background:

My husband, Bob and I have been married for 38 years. We have two children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Our son, Jim Warwick and his wife Cari, live in Des Moines with their daughter, Cami. Our daughter, Dani Smith and her husband, Dan, live in Ankeny with their children, Riley and Jessica. Our granddaughter Jocee Lowe and her husband, Eric, live in Story City with their daughter, Kenadi. We are incredibly found of our little white dog, Zeus. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my kids and long walks with my dog.

I graduated from Webster City High School and went on to complete the dental assistant program at Iowa Central Community College. After graduation, I accepted a position with Dr. Robert Golly’s dental office as a dental assistant, and later became the office manager. After nearly 25 years in the dental profession, in August 1995, I accepted a position as motor vehicle clerk in the Hamilton County Treasurer’s office. Three years ago, when Joni Hilpipre was elected to the office of Hamilton County treasurer, I was appointed assistant treasurer. I have enjoyed each day of the position.

Why are your running for treasurer?

I have enjoyed being the assistant treasurer for the last three years. I have learned and grown personally and professionally. Joni, our current treasurer, announced her retirement and I couldn’t help but contemplate the idea of running. After much debate and encouraging prompts from the great people of Hamilton County, I announced my candidacy.

What special skills do you bring to the job?

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I bring ample years of experience. Since I began my employment in 1995, I have worked daily in the motor vehicle and tax departments, and I’m gaining knowledge in the driver’s license department. I enjoy my work and the residents I encounter each and every day. I take pride in greeting everyone with a smile in a timely manner.

Are there changes you feel are needed in the Hamilton County Treasurer’s office?

I feel we are lucky to have an experienced and knowledgeable treasurer. Joni has handled our budget very well with the resources available. We have an excellent group of staff members that have taken on specialized areas of the office to ensure accuracy. However, our current treasurer has been cross training our staff members to grow our knowledge in every department. I would continue o strive for excellence nd manage the budget with utmost care.

What challenges do think you’ll face in the job?

Some of the biggest challenges will be ensuring the continued monetary stability of Hamilton County. I will have to balance the budget, ensure the taxes are paid and reminders are sent, and the interest rates are favorable. When it comes to the driver’s license and motor vehicle departments, not many changes can be made unless made through the proper channels.

What else would you like voters to know?

I have had the privilege of working under three different treasurers in my years of employment with Hamilton County. Each person has taught me new things, molding and shaping me into a better employee. With all that help, I feel I can and will do my best for the county where I’ve always enjoyed living. I will continue to be readily available and active in my community with events ranging from parades, fundraisers, festivals and benefits. I am ready and willing to be your Hamilton County treasurer.

Cheryl Westrum                                       

Republican

Lifelong resident

of Hamilton County

Cheryl Westrum

Background:

For the past 26 years I have been employed in City and County government services.  Many will know me from my eight years as an E911 City/County dispatcher: many others know me as a friendly face in the Treasurer’s Office, where I have been employed for the past 18 years.  I am a lifelong resident of Hamilton County and my education includes the completion of several college business programs, which have aided my successful experience in the Treasurers Office.

Why are your running for treasurer?

It has been a pleasure for me to work with and serve the residents of Hamilton County, and my goal in running for this position is to maintain the friendly, knowledgeable, courteous atmosphere of customer service and smooth operation of the office.  I will continue to follow Joni’s lead of actively researching to find the highest returns and safest investments for the county’s funds.

What special skills do you bring to the job? What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am the only candidate who has knowledge, experience and works daily in all three areas of the Treasurer’s Office — Driver’s License, Motor vehicle and Tax.  I have extensive training in document authentication.  I also do the training of the new driver’s license employees.

Are there changes you feel are needed in the Hamilton County Treasurer’s office?

I don’t believe there are needed changes, however there will always be changes.  Most of what we do is mandated by the state or set by the Board of Supervisors. We have a great group of knowledgeable employees that I think will handle any changes with ease.  Our biggest changes come with Driver’s license as it is constantly evolving.  An example of that is due to what happened September 11, 2001, the Federal Government began requiring states to implement Real ID.  As of October 2020 all persons wanting to take a commercial flight, enter a federal building, or nuclear power plant, will be required to have one. 

As government budgets continue to tighten, what do you foresee as challenges you’ll face in job?

The budget is part of the Board of Supervisors duties.  The Treasurer’s Office maintains record of those funds and invests those funds in the safest and highest yielding accounts.

What challenges do think you’ll face in the job?

I love what I do. Customer service is huge to me.  If you have come into the Treasurer’s Office you know I am the first person to greet you and help you.  I have so enjoyed meeting the residents of the county, either in the office or speaking at the Lion’s clubs or walking the towns knocking on doors.