Mary Burress: Republican candidate for Tazewell County Treasurer


As far as I can tell, there is only one primary contest in relation to countywide, elected offices in Tazewell County—my county. That contest is a Republican race for County Treasurer. The incumbent Treasurer who is a Republican is retiring from this office and, if I remember correctly, is running for the Tazewell County Board. The two candidates are Russ Crawford who is currently a member of the Tazewell County Board and Mary Burress who is currently the Deputy Treasurer for Tazewell County.

I asked both candidates to provide me information in relation to their candidacy for office. Yesterday, I posted information provided to me by Russ Crawford. Tonight, I am posting information provided to me by Mary Burress. Russ Crawford provided his information to me first so I posted his first. He was also asked first. He was also scheduled to speak to the Morton 9/12 Project members at its regular monthly meeting on January 12, 2010. He did attend the meeting and spoke to the group. Mary Burress spoke to the Morton 9/12 Project members at its regular monthly meeting on December 8, 2009. Except for making minor changes to fit my format and to spell out abbreviated words, the material posted tonight is as given to me.

The campaign material from Mary Burress, candidate for the Republican Party primary election for Tazewell County Treasurer:

“Mary Burress
Candidate For Tazewell County Treasurer

Experience and qualifications:

1) Employed 21 years as Deputy Treasurer
2) The No. 2 Leadership Position in the Treasurer’s Office
3) Served with three Treasurers
4) Republican Precinct Committeeman
5) Cincinnati Township Trustee
6) Member, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Successes in saving the taxpayers’ money:

1) Worked with Treasurer to secure a cost savings of thousands of dollars annually in postage costs for all Tazewell County outbound mail

2) Streamlined office operations from 12 employees 10 years ago to 5 full time & 3 part-time employees, while Tazewell County population increased substantially

3) Implemented Remote Deposit Capture & Electronic Direct Deposit procedures to expedite real estate tax funds to local schools, park districts, towns, cities & townships

Goals for the office:

1) Keep $180 million in property tax dollars deposited in local banks within Tazewell County. Local banks re-invest in our communities & families through home & vehicle loans, college loans, and new business start-ups which produce local jobs.

2) Always invest in interest bearing, insured securities with local banks.

3) Continue to expedite property tax dollars designated for local schools, park districts, libraries, fire districts, cities, villages and townships in Tazewell County.

4) Improve Treasurer’s office website to include forms, information on where to pay property tax bills, guides for Senior Citizens, etc.

5) Implement electronic cash management system for all County offices resulting in added security, increased savings for the taxpayers.

6) Work with the Tazewell County Board members and standing committees to develop monthly, quarterly and annual reports on fund balances and investments.

7) Continue to improve communications with taxpayers, local & state officials, local banks, title companies and the external auditors.

8) In cooperation with the Supervisor of Assessment, implement property tax informational seminars for Senior Citizens.

9) Operate and Manage the Treasurer’s office with fiscally conservative values and best management practices.

Endorsements and support:

1) Duane Gray, Current & Retiring Tazewell County Treasurer 1998-Present

2) Patricia Graham, Retired Tazewell County Treasurer 1988-1998

3) Tazewell County Board Members, Mayors, City Councilmen, Aldermen, Township Officials Etc.

713 Deerfield Drive
Pekin, Illinois 61554
Phone: (309) 241-7563

mary.burress@yahoo.com”