Two candidates running for Medina County treasurer

John Burke, 71 Party: Republican Education: He is a Medina High School graduate and has a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Business Administration from Miami University. He is also a certified financial officer, certified public funds investor and has a public administration certification. Family: He lives in Medina Township with his wife Lisa and has an adult son named Matthew. Job history: He was a management consultant for Arthur Andersen, a chief financial officer for A. I. Root Company and is currently the Medina County Treasurer. He has also served as treasurer 29 times for a variety of non-profit, charitable and fraternal organizations. Website: electjohnburke.com Mary Emhoff, 71 Party: Democrat Education: She attended Youngstown State University and graduated summa cum laude with an associate's degree in respiratory care. Family: She and her husband Paul have been residents of Medina County for more than 40 years and currently live in Brunswick Hills. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. Job history: She retired as clinical supervisor of respiratory therapy from MetroHealth Medical Center and managed more than 20 professionals. She also maintained the books including accounts payable and receivable and tax preparation for her husband's small business for more than 40 years. She has also volunteered at various organizations. Website: n/a MEDINA — Incumbent John Burke and Mary Emhoff are running for Medina County treasurer in the upcoming general election. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Burke: My record as county treasurer makes me the best candidate, which includes successfully invested county money, earning $79 million interest income, highest on record, and enough to run the county free for almost two years. (I) collected $185 million in delinquent taxes, highest on record, created various tax payment options, found and returned $3.1 million in unclaimed funds to 7,500 Medina County residents, maintained an efficient professional office with experienced staff who provide excellent customer service (and was) named "Ohio's Public Funds Manager of the Year" by State of Ohio Treasurer from 3,500 public fund managers. Emhoff: Medina County deserves ethical leaders. When a person has two known ethical lapses during his tenure, the voters should be made aware and have the option to "hire" a new leader. These lapses make voters wonder what else has been going on in the treasurer's office. What is the biggest challenge facing the county, and how would you address it? Burke: The shortage of affordable housing and rising building costs are county challenges. To address these issues, I have created two programs. My Fix-It -Funds program has provided $16 million in low interest home loans to help 1,050 home owners improve their property. We are one of only five counties in Ohio that have such a program. This year I filed to incorporate the Medina County Land Bank to rehabilitate properties, repurpose vacant property and enhance redevelopment opportunities. We recently were awarded a $300,000 state grant and hope to get $2 million more to help residents rehab their property. Emhoff: The biggest challenge facing Medina County is stagnant, settled politicians who consider themselves not servants of the people but lords over them. We need new eyes on the spending to stop government Waste and cronyism. Projects should give local businesses weighted scores in the bidding process. I support the goals stated at VoteforD.org. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.