LOCAL Voices: Election 2009

When is a Town Treasurer like James Bond?

By Peg O'Donnell
Incumbent Candidate for Redding Town Treasurer

[Oct. 1, 2009] One question I have been asked is how has the job of treasurer changed since I was first elected to office in 2001. Checks are still written, signed and mailed, but other aspects of cash disbursements have seen changes to keep up with technology.

Where transfers of funds between accounts used to be completed over the phone in discussions with customer service representatives, now those same transactions are handled via the Internet with multiple layers of encryption, passwords and RSA authentication icons. For a short time, I had to carry an electronic keycard that flashed a 4 digit pin number that changed every 10 seconds and had to be synced to the bank’s computers. It was like I had a James Bond gadget in my purse!

These new security measures help keep our town’s cash safe. Also, releasing funds to pay debt has changed. Bankers are now prohibited from initiating debt payments, and the treasurer must schedule those payments directly with the collecting bank. This means electronic funds transfers to specific accounts in time for the transaction to be recorded in a timely manner. None of these things are difficult to do. You just need patience and perseverance with technology and a willingness to learn new things.

I have learned many new things in the last 8 years and I ask for your vote to learn for 2 more years. Please vote O’Donnell for treasurer in November.