Over the next several weeks leading up to Election Day on November 6, 2018, the Fillmore County Journal will provide candidates in contested races in our coverage area an opportunity to answer questions that we hope will be of value to voters. On today’s front page, we are presenting two candidates vying for Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer. Both Brian Hoff and Heidi ‘Bly’ Jones were presented with the same questions with a 100 word count limit per answer. Readers can also look for these Q & A write-ups on www.fillmorecountyjournal.com, where the conversation will continue.
– Jason Sethre, Publisher of Fillmore County Journal
Brian Hoff
First, tell us a little about yourself.
• Brian Hoff, age 60
• Spouse: Carolyn Hoff
• Three children, six grandchildren
• Occupation: Certified Minnesota Assessor – Income Qualified (CMA-IQ). Employed by Fillmore County Assessor’s Office since 2008.
• Resident of Fillmore County for majority of my life, growing up in Preston and residing in rural Wykoff for the past 25 years.
• Avocation: Coaching and officiating for Track & Field and Cross Country
• Education: 1976 Graduate of Preston-Fountain High School, AA Degree, Golden Valley Lutheran College, 1978; BS Degree, Winona State University, 1983.
• Hobbies: Hunting, projects at home, time with family and friends, traveling to see children and grandchildren.
Why are you running for the position of Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer?
I was encouraged to file for A/T by a number of citizens that use the A/T office on a regular basis and am running for Auditor/Treasurer to help serve the residents of Fillmore County. My hope is to improve inter-departmental communication and efficiency, which would benefit the taxpayers of Fillmore County. One of my favorite work related quotes is from former UCLA basketball coaching legend John Wooden, who says “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”
What experience do you bring to this position?
I have nearly 35 years experience working with the public, a variety of lenders, government units and agencies while handling insurance and banking duties, human resources, appraisals/assessments and related duties. I have experience in management, sales and marketing, customer service, claims handling and adjusting, employee benefits, real estate appraisals, loan underwriting and inspections, and farm and residential construction. I am an analytical decision maker and creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and as a team member. I currently serve as the Region Representative to the State Ag Committee for the Minnesota Assessors (MAAO).
The Auditor/Treasurer position combines the skill sets of a CPA and personnel management, managing Fillmore County’s checkbook budgeted for $31 million in 2018. Over the course of your career, how have you prepared yourself for this responsibility?
I have served nine years as a school board member in Wykoff and Kingsland. Besides the experience listed above, I was a self-employed business owner for 21 years. I currently serve on the Audit Committee and Endowment Committee at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. I am a homeowner and a Fillmore County taxpayer and know the value of a dollar and the importance of fiscal responsibility.
How can you help the Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office improve if you are elected to this position?
My 11 years in the Fillmore County Assessor’s Office has provided a good deal of insight into the needs of the office through inter-departmental processes that take place between taxes and real estate transactions. This insight, when implemented, will allow for a cost effective and efficiently run government office.
Please describe your leadership style.
I was a successful Track and Cross Country coach for 25 years, as well as Minnesota State High School League Track and Field Official for the past 27 years. Much of my coaching style and skill sets from being a coach and official will help in instilling and creating a well-oiled team, not only in the A/T office, but this team approach should translate well across other inter-related departments and government agencies within the county and outside of Fillmore County.
Heidi ‘Bly’ Jones
First, tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve lived in Fillmore County a majority of my life. I grew up in Beaver Township and graduated from Kingsland. My parents are Marge and the late Robert Bly. I have two children and a beautiful granddaughter. My residence for the past 12 years has been in Ostrander, where I serve on city council and the Uffda-Days committee. For the last 11 years, I have worked directly in the Auditor/Treasurer’s office at Fillmore County. I am serving as President of our Bluff Country Toastmasters Club and I volunteer with St.Croix Hospice. I attend Grace Church in Stewartville.
Why are you running for the position of Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer?
I’m passionate about serving my community and promoting transparency to the taxpayers of Fillmore County. Continuing my public service in my current department after 11 years is the next natural step in my career. As a property owner in Fillmore County I have invested, just as you have. It’s important to me, and statutorily required, the public is informed and educated on where their tax dollars are going. I’m passionate about doing the right thing even if it means harder work. I believe no one is successful on their own and employees are a valued investment.
What experience do you bring to this position?
My experience is directly with Property Tax Administration, Records, Settlement, Finance, Auditing, Elections, and much more. I have completed the Auditor/Treasurer courses at the MN department of Revenue and am certified for Property Tax Calculations, Board of Appeals and others. My previous banking industry, budgeting and auditing experience is essential since we are the central finance office for the county. As a legal assistant, I became acclimated with State Statute, a vital trait, as a majority of our duties are mandated by legislation. My education and vast experience have directly molded me to succeed as your Auditor/Treasurer.
The Auditor/Treasurer position combines the skill sets of a CPA and personnel management, managing Fillmore County’s checkbook budget for $31 million in 2018. Over the course of your career, how have you prepared yourself for this responsibility?
I’ve assumed many responsibilities within our office at one point or another and am prepared for the challenges in assuming more. Currently, I calculate rates and taxes for proposed and certified. It’s also my responsibility to disburse the monies received to each district and fund within the county, a yearly average of $30 million. I prepare supportive documentation for governmental entities and auditors. I’ve put in valuable time in research, training to ensure accuracy and compliance with mandated legislation. As a leader, I combine the desire for personal growth for each employee with the passion to succeed as team.
How can you help the Fillmore County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office improve if you are elected to this position?
Several issues will come into focus. We are converting to a new property tax system in the near future. In depth knowledge of the system, jobs we need to accomplish, and staying abreast of any foreseeable issues is important for a successful transition.
With the additions to the 2020 elections, resources and training will pursue to ensure we have dedicated staff for both elections and daily operations. Being properly trained to confidently fill each role and not “burning the candle at both ends” are equally important to prevent errors as well as deter valued employees from considering employment elsewhere.
Please describe your leadership style.
To manage employees, one must understand the duties they’re tasked with. After providing the resources, employees should be updated, valued, and entrusted to complete tasks effectively and confidently. When we succeed as individuals, we surpass succeeding as a team. Prevention and taking responsibility to correct errors when they arise is imperative and I will do my due diligence to resolve them. A leader continues to grow by mutual respect, acknowledging ideas, weaknesses, strengths, and continuous planning for the future. I am that passionate leader. I am certified, trustworthy and principled. I look forward to serving as your next Auditor/Treasurer.
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