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Name: Nikena (Nikki) Baer
Age: 48
Town: La Salle
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Small business owner
Previously elected positions: No political positions
Facebook: Citizens for Nikki Baer
Q. Why are you the best person to serve as La Salle County Treasurer?
A: I have more than 20 years of experience in banking, most of that time working with business clients. I am familiar with dealing with large sums of money and budgets. I have partnered with businesses to look for ways for them to cut expenses. Most importantly, I have provided a high level of customer service. That's where trust and relations are built. I also have taken and passed the Series 7 financial securities exam so I am fully aware of the investment options the county has to abide by.
What are your top two priorities for the position?
A: First I will review the budget and look to cut expenses. I feel more can be done from what I have seen while attending the monthly treasurer meetings.
Second, I will want to learn as many of the duties of the department as possible so that we, as a department, can look for ways to improve efficiency. Because it's always been done that way isn't always the best way.
What technological changes, if any, do you foresee in the treasurer’s office?
A: Clients can pay their real estate taxes online, but is it the best product and pricing available. With a background in merchant services through banking, I have experience in this area. I will want to review the merchant service provider and it's pricing. Again, I'll be looking for the best way to do things and will want to eliminate any areas of duplication between departments.
Will the treasurer be a full-time job for you? If so, what will happen to your current job?
A: YES! That is one of my biggest complaints with our current treasurer. I am currently a small business owner. I will take steps to move the day to day operations to another staff member so that I can serve the taxpayers of La Salle County in the full time capacity they are paying for.
Would you try to shrink the treasurer’s office budget? If so, how will you do that?
A: Yes, I will look for ways to reduce the budget. The first thing I will look into will be travel expenses. I will look to implement per diems for meals and hotel expenses. During meetings with County Board members recently, I have found that there currently is no limit on what elected officials can spend in this area. Also I will be reviewing the merchant service contract as previously stated.
Recently, two deputy auditors were charged with official misconduct, among other charges. What role should the treasurer play in detecting official misconduct either in their office, or other county officers?
A: By being in the office full time, I would be able to oversee the staff and make sure a system of checks and balances are in place when monies are collected.
Personally reviewing payroll, I should notice if hours worked don't add up.
I will also review policies to make sure guidelines are in place for when overtime is approved. Making sure there is a clear chain of command as to who has authority to approve extra expenses and overtime.
What one trait is most important in a treasurer? Why is that?
A: It's all about integrity. Integrity is an umbrella for so many things such as honesty, good morals and work ethic, fairness and trustworthiness. It's all about integrity because in the end, it's about the public trust.