Valencia County Treasurer

Meet the Candidates

Michael P. Steininger

Age: 60

Occupation: Special director, NM Department of Finance and Administration

Education: BA Accounting; hold certifications as: Treasury Official, Municipal Official, Public Manager, Procurement Official; Certifications Pending: County Commissioner, Advocate Public Ethics

Previous elected political offices: None

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What experience qualifies you for the Valencia County treasurer position?

“I have over 40 years of finance experience in both the private and public sectors. I have 16 years of experience in both New Mexico municipal and county government finance. I have assisted over 50 counties and municipalities facing financial/reporting difficulties.”

2. What are the most important issues facing this office right now, and how do you plan to address those issues?

“Closely monitor the current state and local economic conditions to ensure the county has adequate cash available to pay its obligations.

“Enhance tax collection procedures in an attempt to reduce the number of parcels turned over to the state for collection.”

3. What financial problems do you believe are currently facing Valencia County, and how will you work to help solve them?

“Valencia County is pressed between the many needs of the county and the limits of its revenue sources. Most of these issues are outside the authority of the Treasurer’s Office. The treasurer can assist by collecting and distributing county revenue in the most timely and efficient manner possible.”

4. The county treasurer is responsible for investing certain county funds; would you make any changes in investments?

“New Mexico state statute dictates the type of investments that can be used by county governments. The Board of County Commissioners set the overall investment policy of the county from which the treasurer makes their choices. During these uncertain economic times, short-term investments may be most prudent.”

Deseri A. Sichler (I)

Age: 47

Occupation: Valencia County Treasurer

Education: UNM-VC, Norris School of Real Estate, Dearborn Real Estate Institute, NM EDGE

Previous elected political offices: Valencia County Treasurer

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a DWI or a felony in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”

1. What experience qualifies you for the Valencia County treasurer position?

“Serving my current term as treasurer has given me a great deal of experience in running the treasurer’s office, from investing in government funds, handling legislative challenges that affect Valencia County Treasurer’s office and implementing technology changes to provided extra services to the taxpayers of Valencia County.”

2. What are the most important issues facing this office right now, and how do you plan to address those issues?

“The most important issues are the delinquent property tax rate and unwanted delinquent vacant land. I will continue working with delinquent taxpayers with monthly payment options. I will continue working with the Tax and Revenue Division on collections of delinquent taxes and productive tax auctions of delinquent properties.”

3. What financial problems do you believe are currently facing Valencia County, and how will you work to help solve them?

“Delinquent taxes cause the county to have less money for services the county needs. I will continue to maintain accurate tax records and vigorously pursue collections of delinquent taxes through providing monthly payment options, continued mobile home auctions, and assisting the Tax and Revenue Division with collections and auctions.”

4. The county treasurer is responsible for investing certain county funds; would you make any changes in investments?

“I have already made changes to the current county investments and have increased our earnings on the hospital fund and general fund. I will continue to monitor this current ever-changing market and will take full advantage of any safe, legal and profitable investing options as they come available.”