Indiana treasurer candidates say greater transparency, enhanced cybersecurity among priorities

Republican Daniel Elliott and Democrat Jessica McClellan are working for the open Indiana state treasurer seat on this yr’s election.

Elliott stated strengthening cybersecurity throughout state and native authorities can be a prime precedence, if elected. McClellan cited enlargement of current applications and “wanted” transparency as key initiatives.

Elliott is a software program engineer and has spent years serving in native authorities, together with a decade because the president of the Morgan County Redevelopment Fee.

He stated that have is what spurred him to run for state treasurer.

“I simply noticed this want of, hey, we have to develop rural Indiana,” Elliott stated. “And I noticed the treasurer’s workplace as a instrument that’s been utilized earlier than and could be utilized much more to assist develop financial alternatives in rural Indiana.”

McClellan is at the moment the Monroe County treasurer. And he or she stated she’s seen firsthand what the state treasurer’s workplace can do for Hoosiers.

One of many applications it oversees is the CollegeChoice 529 Plan. McClellan stated she desires to “fill within the gaps” within the financial savings program.

“I’ve heard that households don’t know if it’ll have an effect on their children’ probabilities at getting a scholarship, if they’ve numerous financial savings on this plan,” McClellan stated. “So, I believe that the 1st step is to reply all of those questions and see if we will get extra buy-in.”

Elliott pushed an identical message. He is the primary in his household to go to school. And he stated that background is what drives him to extend consciousness of this system.

“The working class, those that are pretty poor – this isn’t one thing even on their radar,” Elliott stated. “And I believe that is the place we have to enhance.”

Elliott stated one in all his first jobs in workplace, nevertheless, could be to deal with cybersecurity – a menace, he stated, that’s too typically ignored.

“They know that’s a necessity. They know that’s a priority however they’re not fairly positive how you can handle that,” Elliott stated. “And that’s one thing, proper off the bat, that I need to get proper there to start with and say, ‘OK, right here’s how we might help native governments with cybersecurity.’”

McClellan cited native authorities assist as a significant challenge, too. On her agenda is enlargement of TrustINdiana, an funding program that enables native governments to pool their cash collectively, with a purpose to produce larger returns.

“I’m desirous about townships and small cities and cities, the place each single greenback counts,” McClellan stated.

READ MORE: Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 financial savings program marks 25 years since creation

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The treasurer is not a policy-making function; somewhat, it is largely administrative. Nonetheless, McClellan stated she would use the place to be a “cheerleader.”

“Rooting for Democrats within the legislature and serving to them with what the state treasurer’s workplace can do to take their objectives – you understand, their legislative priorities – everyone has concepts,” McClellan stated. “How can we make these concepts occur?”

Elliott has his personal approach of envisioning his relationship with the legislature.

“I will must comply with their lead on what they’re trying to do,” Elliott stated. “My function is to offer them with the information in order that, once they’re taking a look at these insurance policies, here is what you need to be taking a look at. Here is the precise knowledge.”

Republicans have largely managed state authorities for many years. And McClellan stated electing a Democrat to the state treasurer’s workplace will deliver larger transparency.

“And I believe it’s a essential place to have an out of doors view, not within the controlling social gathering, to have a look at the spending and ask the questions,” McClellan stated.

Democrats have not received the state treasurer’s workplace since 1976.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or comply with him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.