Angie Hicks, candidate for Douglas County treasurer

Party: Democratic

City or town of residence: Parker

Profession: Business analyst

Campaign website: www.angie4dougco.org

Why are you seeking this office?

Giving back to the community started early in my life. In high school and college, informed voting was extremely important to me. I was heavily involved in mock elections at my schools. I also spent time volunteering to do taxes pro bono for low income individuals, families and seniors. Now, I feel I can use my education and experience as an accountant to make a meaningful impact on my community as treasurer.

What makes you the best choice for treasurer?

Having been a controller, I completely understand the responsibilities that go along with the treasurer's job. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Accounting and Business Administration. I have passed the CPA exam, worked for a CPA firm and devoted 22 years working to improve and streamline accounting processes while maintaining GAAP and regulatory standards. I can bring a fresh perspective to the office.

What are the most important traits or skills for a treasurer to possess?

I think that it is reasonable to expect the county treasurer to have an accounting education and experience, and having a CPA would be a plus. The treasurer should not have less knowledge and education than his or her staff. A successful candidate should also have experience with cash management, regulatory reporting, and internal control, and should have demonstrable leadership skills and experience. The person trusted with our tax dollars should have that training.

What must an effective treasurer accomplish?

An effective treasurer follows the agreed-upon budget, reports on county revenue and expenses, and maintains regulatory standards in invested assets while providing accurate data and financial transparency to the county. Diane Holbert took some good steps forward with her Open Data Initiative. I would like to see the county continue to “open up the books” for residents to see our revenue and expense flow. After all, it is their money with which we are working.

What will your top priority be if elected?

Knowing that there hasn't been an experienced accountant or a CPA in the treasurer's office for an extended period of time, I'd do a deep dive into the types of processes and controls that are in place in the accounting department. After Sarbanes Oxley was implemented in 2002, we have learned the best practices for securing and controlling access to assets. Those principles are good for public and private companies as well as government entities.