Jerry DiTullio, candidate for Treasurer

Party: Democrat

City: Wheat Ridge

Profession: Treasurer for Wheat Ridge & teacher at WRHS

Campaign Website: www.jerryditullio.com/elections

What makes you the best choice for this office?

There are only two elected treasurers in Jefferson County — Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County.  I am the currently the elected City Treasurer for Wheat Ridge. I know the job and can hit the ground running in November for the taxpayers in Jefferson County. Proven experience and proven transparency with regards to taxpayer dollars.

What is the most important duty of the office of the treasurer?

Collecting, managing and investing taxpayer dollars along with world class customer service for taxpayers from the Treasurer's Office. By the way, the County Treasurer does not raise taxes or lower taxes. The County Treasurer does not protect private property rights. The County Treasurer does not “limit” government. These types of public policy issues are reserved for the voters and the County Commissioners.

What will your top priority be if elected?

I have been working with the public as an elected official for 23 years. I will work with the newly elected county and state officials to find and fix the inconsistent property tax assessment debacle in Jeffco. This issue needs to be addressed DAY ONE. Some property owners in Jeffco, both residential and commercial, have seen their property taxes increase by as much as 400 percent in the past two years with no relief in sight.

Top change you'd like to see with county dispersant or investment?

The County Treasurer must follow the Public Deposit Protection Act (PDPA) and Title 39 of the Colorado Revised Statutes in terms of investing taxpayer dollars.  Investment institutions and banks must be PDPA certified to accept taxpayer dollars. I have a proven track record of finding the highest yielding investment institutions as treasurer for Wheat Ridge. Interest income earned on taxpayer funds is much higher than the projections for 2018.  As of the July report the interested earned is 253 percent higher than projected.

What else should voters know about you?

I have been involved in the community as an educator, a banker, a business owner, and an elected official. I support civility, transparency and listening in politics. I will communicate with ALL taxpayers during this election and continue this approach as your County Treasurer by bringing a robust financial reporting system to the taxpayers. To view the financial reporting information I have developed, please visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/ and go to the City Treasurer page.