Name: Dan Girt

Age: 66

Office sought: Madison County treasurer

Political party: Republican

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Occupation: Deputy treasurer (four years); 30 years in financial services

Education: Bachelor of science in business degree from Indiana University

Spouse: Kim Girt (36 years)

Children: Sons Jason Girt, Stephen Girt and Scott Girt; daughter Whitney Holowell

Previous public office held:

First time seeking elected office

Why did you decide to run for this office?

The current treasurer has served two terms and by law was unable to run for re-election.

I felt like my four years of hands-on experience and 30 years of investment and customer service experience made me a qualified candidate.

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the county treasurer’s office?

It is important to get an accurate tax statement out to the taxpayer on time.

The treasurer’s office needs to continue to work with the other county officials to ensure high-quality, efficient service to all taxpayers.

What are the realistic goals for the office in which you are running?

The primary goal of the treasurer’s office is the collection and investment of property tax.

If elected as treasurer, my goal will be to continue to increase the efficiency of the collection process, with a strong emphasis on taxpayer customer service. There will be a focus on the online payment option, the new payment kiosk and the possibility of the addition of e-statements for those taxpayers who are interested.

Name: Lisa Hobbs

Office sought: Madison County treasurer

Political party: Democrat

Age: 51

Occupation: Employee of Pipe Creek Township Trustee’s Office and six-year member of the Madison County Council.

Spouse: Randall Hobbs for over 30 years

Children: Ashley Scoles, Daniel Hobbs and eight grandchildren

Previous public offices held: Madison County Recorder and six-year member of the Madison County Council.

Why did you decide to run for this office?

I believe in serving my community. I find it very humbling and rewarding serving the citizens of this county.

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the county treasurer’s office?

Understanding the importance of time-sensitive deadlines.

What are the realistic goals for the office in which you are running?

Repair communication gap between citizens and local government. Reduction of time spent in line to pay your property taxes.

Name: Richard (Rick) Brown Jr.

Age: 43

Party: Libertarian

Office sought: Madison County treasurer

Occupation: Entrepreneur — information technology and creative production (web, video, music); sports official (football/basketball/softball); high school softball coach

Political experience: Previous county deputy treasurer under Kelly Gaskill, Libertarian Party county chairman

Family: Wife Jill Brown (Cousert); daughters Faith Brown, 20, and Martina Brown, 16

Why are you running for office?

Because of my successful time as deputy treasurer of Madison County, I was encouraged to run by many people who wanted to see me continue my work in the treasurer’s office. I would like to continue to work to improve the office.

What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the county treasurer’s office?

I believe the three most important issues are: improving the taxpayer experience in dealing with the office, improving vendor experience (mortgage companies, mobile home parks, real estate agents, etc.), and streamlining processes to make them more efficient and accurate.

What are your top three goals if elected to the position?

First, Kelly Gaskill has done a fantastic job improving the treasurer’s office. My first goal would be to continue the forward movement she started. Another goal is to work with local banks to bring them back on board with accepting property tax payments from their customers. I would also like to work toward a better in-person experience in the office. Through technology, training and better processes, we could reduce lines and provide better customer service.