Letter to the Voters: BJ Smith-Kreseen, Treasurer Candidate

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The Meigs Independent Press does not participate in advertising for or endorsing candidates. The submissions from candidates are a service to the voters and the people of Meigs County. Candidates were invited to write an open letter to the voters. It is published as submitted, unedited.)

Hello Meigs County voters!
My name is BJ Smith-Kreseen and I am asking for your vote on March 17th for Meigs County Treasurer. My husband Dan and I live in Middleport and have 2 children, Emma and Charlie. I was born and raised in Pomeroy by my parents Greg and Vicki Smith. I am proud of my Meigs County heritage and my “people”. I am the granddaughter of Larry and Paula Pickens of Pomeroy, the late Bonnie Pickens and the late Howard (Dick) and Drema Smith, formerly of Pomeroy.

Our family has been in Meigs County for generations and will be for many to come.

I am a 1999 graduate of Meigs High School and a 2003 graduate of Ohio University. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and Business and hold a private pilot license.

I have directed the Riverbend Arts Council Talent Review as well as the dinner theater at Bradford Church of Christ for over 10 years, where I served as choir director and Director of Worship. I am a member of the Meigs County United Fund board since 2012 and Treasurer since 2013 where thousands of dollars are given back to our local organizations aiding Meigs County citizens.

I am currently the Finance Clerk for Meigs County Common Pleas Court. My prior work experience includes an inflight service coordinator for Net Jets; Emergency Response Coordinator for the Gallia Co. Health Department where my duties included grant writing, public events and education. I have also served as a substitute teacher for all Meigs Local School districts and as a teacher aide at Bright Beginnings preschool.

You may also recognize me as lead singer for the band Next Level. We have provided entertainment at multiple local venues and events and are honored to have met and made so many friends who have served our nation at the local American Legions and VFW’s. We also have donated our time and talents for worthwhile causes such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
My love for our county is the reason I decided to run for office.

I am already in the process of benchmarking with surrounding counties to best increase the current rate of return on our delinquent property tax situation here in Meigs County. I WILL be ready to hit the ground running on DAY 1 with ideas to help struggling families. I want to bring our system online where you can choose to pay your taxes in one, two or 12 equal monthly payments. These payments will be made in “real-time” where you can see your updated information within hours rather than days/weeks. Currently payments must be mailed in where they are sitting in a “stack” until the office is able to process. This system is at risk for multiple reasons.

My office will be visible through social media and in person, we are accountable to YOU, the county. I will attend township and school board meetings, giving progress reports throughout the year, and stay in constant contact with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office working together to ensure accounts are being followed through on. With visibility comes transparency. I believe it is important for the residents of Meigs County to see what THEIR tax dollars are doing for THEIR neighborhood.

Meigs County celebrated our bicentennial this past year and while we won’t be around to celebrate the next what legacy will we leave behind? As we write our history let the pages say that in 2020 Meigs County moved forward embracing the ideals of progress and change.
Considering the decisions that loom ahead, history has proven that our greatest successes happen through collaboration. When we bring together our mutual passion for Meigs County and its success, committing to making our community better and stronger we can truly solve any problem.

Today’s ever changing and evolving environment encourages new and innovative approaches to work through our issues and I am confident we can rise to the challenge.

I would be honored to serve as your next County Treasurer. Please vote Kreseen for Meigs County Treasurer on March 17th.

–BJ Smith Kreseen, Candidate for Meigs County Treasurer