MOUNT VERNON — The March 19 Primary Election features two new faces running for Knox County Treasurer.
Chief Deputy Treasurer Connie Durbin and Mount Vernon City Councilwoman Amber Keener are vying to replace current treasurer Shelley Coon. Coon announced last October that she would not seek re-election.
Durbin has 21 years of experience between the county auditor and treasurer’s office. Keener cites her experience as a councilwoman and lobbying for the county in Columbus and across Ohio.
Meet the Candidates: Knox County Republican Primary Q&A
Knox Pages will host a candidate Q&A on Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Woodward Opera House. The evening features the county treasurer’s race as well as the sheriff and county commissioner races. The event, sponsored by Griffin Insurance, is free, but an RSVP is appreciated. You can also click here to submit a question to the candidates.
Both candidates responded to a Knox Pages questionnaire. Their answers are printed below.
Connie Durbin
My name is Connie Durbin, and I am the Chief Deputy Treasurer for the Knox County Treasurer’s Office. I am seeking the office of Knox County Treasurer. I was born and raised in Knox County, graduating from Fredericktown High School. I have 21 years of experience between the auditor and treasurer offices.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office as I want to continue the excellent customer service that current Treasurer Shelley Coon has provided to the Knox County taxpayers. Her expertise and training will allow this to continue, and I look forward to leading the office and serving our taxpayers.
What are the three most significant issues facing the county?
The three most significant issues I see Knox County facing are the following:
1. Transparency in government. The treasurer’s office already has an open-door policy, and we answer any and all questions. Commissioners meetings need to be more accessible to the public, maybe shown online or hold a nightly meeting.
2. I believe that Knox County is going to grow rapidly with Intel and other businesses building in nearby counties. For the treasurer’s office, this will increase the taxable parcels. I will fight for new technology and the staffing needed to handle any increase in workload.
3. With values increasing and taxes rising, it has put a burden on many people, especially the elderly. I will work with the treasurer’s association and their legislative branch to try and bring tax relief through higher income limits on the homestead program, allowing more to qualify.
The treasurer’s office is responsible for the collection of real estate and manufactured home taxes. We work very closely with the auditor’s office in balancing all funds that come into the office and are distributed to various county entities. I have the expertise and experience needed to lead the Knox County Treasurer’s office. I would appreciate your vote on March 19th.
Amber L. Keener
Occupation: City Councilwoman, Mother
Education: Master of Arts in History, PhD candidate
Qualifications for office: 3 years as city councilwoman, lifelong commitment to the arts and local events/amenities, passion for the greater Knox County community, experience lobbying for the county in Columbus and across Ohio.
Why are you running for office?
I believe that local government is where citizens can experience the biggest impact from their elected officials. I take my responsibility to our residents seriously, and I am eager to find ways to improve our community through strategic partnerships and new funding sources. I’ve done this as a councilwoman, securing private funding for park amenities such as the Riverside Park splash pad and other sponsorship opportunities. I am eager to bring this experience to the larger Knox County community.
What are the three most significant issues facing the county?
The eventual impact of the Intel project on Knox County despite recently announced delays, securing funding for major county projects, and limiting the tax burden on our residents.
What will you do to address them?
I will work with local organizations such as ADF and the Land Bank to prepare for the eventual growth coming to the county, I will leverage my connections in Columbus to identify funding opportunities for Knox County, and I will work with county officials to identify alternative funding sources, such as grants, to prepare Knox County for the future.
