Amber Corrieri

1. ISU students face staggering debt when they graduate. What do you think is the best way to help?

I would like to see the state of Iowa and the Board of Regents continue discussions in finding creative ways to lower the cost of tuition. Work incentive-based programs could be beneficial to not only students, but also to the state of Iowa in retaining talent. Financial literacy is something that is very important to me and as treasurer, I would be committed to serving as a resource for those in need of financial education or assistance. 

2. Students are having difficulty finding jobs after graduation. What will you do to stimulate job growth?

Story County must collaborate with our cities, school districts and economic development commissions to ensure that we create an environment that is friendly to businesses looking to bring the right kind of jobs to our state and to our county. We must also continue to focus on our “young professionals” to ensure that our communities offer not just the right kind of jobs, but also the types of services and attractions that young people and young families desire. 

3. Iowa State is committed to green energy, but what can you do to help us make the university and the state more green?

Story County is fortunate to be a leader in green initiatives and I hope to continue these efforts in the Story County Treasurer’s office. One of my priorities is to eliminate the need for processes that are still done manually, such as vehicle titling. There has been some discussion, but no real action at this point. I hope to eliminate many of the paper processes currently in place and focus on making many services electronic and more environmentally friendly. 

4. What are the most important differences between you and your opponent(s) this election?

Relevant experience — My career in the financial industry has provided me with the necessary skills and common sense business solutions that are needed in the Story County Treasurer’s office. In my current position as business banking officer for Ames Community Bank, I have responsibilities similar to that of a county treasurer. I work regularly with investing public funds. I also manage all of the business banking technology for my company as well as manage projects, train staff, write procedures and work with budgets. 

Proven community leadership — I currently serve on a number of local boards, commissions and committees, including the Ames Human Relations Commission, the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors and United Ames Board of Directors. I believe that elected officials should have a strong presence in the community.

A plan for Story County — Since I announced my campaign 13 months ago, I have focused on four key issues: sound investments, customer service and transparency, partnerships within the community, and collaboration in county government. 

5. What do you hope to accomplish once elected?  

The treasurer’s office impacts every taxpayer in Story County, but most people know the treasurer as nothing more than a name on a bill. The public should be engaged in our local government and have a voice in the types of services offered. My ideas for the treasurer’s office come from numerous conversations with the people of Story County.

My plan is to improve the investment policies for Story County by enhancing our relationships with local banks. I want to develop partnerships with the business community to provide property tax and tax credit education. It is also necessary that all of our elected officials and department heads in Story County work together to find to ways to eliminate waste and provide the most cost effective services possible. My goals are very simple: Protect the safety and soundness of taxpayer funds while making service easy and accessible.

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Renee Twedt

1. ISU students face staggering debt when they graduate. What do you think is the best way to help?

Advocating for student awareness. More classes need to be offered to college students starting with their freshman year to alert them of the potential debt they will accrue while attending school. Maybe we need to look at preparing students while still in the public high school system as well.

Not all college-age students realize the compilation of debt to attend a four-year college, especially as the economic downturn has put parents out of work, leaving students more reliant on financial aid. Federal grants used to account for 44 percent in tuition payments, that has now declined to 29 percent within the last 10 years. It is imperative, now more than ever, to hold our governors and legislatures accountable and not allow schools to pass so much of this cost on to the families in order to even make a dent in access and affordability.

2. Students are having difficulty finding jobs after graduation. What will you do to stimulate job growth?

In order to stimulate job growth, we need to look at our elected officials and federal government; they essentially regulate the prosperity of business within the county, state and across the nation. Without the businesses, there is no room for job growth. In order to help our students here in Ames, everyone needs to get more involved in your local politics, your local economic development committees and keep them on track, holding them accountable for endorsing the principals of good economic policy.

3. Iowa State is committed to green energy, but what can you do to help us make the university and the state more green?

We all need to encourage more recycling and going”electronic” to minimizing paper waste. Create a “challenge” within the workplace to help get people involved. Take the initiative to volunteer within your community to demonstrate your commitment to recycling and the good it can do for all of us.

4. What are the most important differences between you and your opponent(s) this election?

My 23 years of experience helping individuals and businesses with their financial growth and tax strategies has heightened my ability to positively impact the residents of Story County through accurate management of taxpayer dollars. Working in an accounting firm, I have a greater hands-on knowledge of individuals and businesses because I deal with them all day, every day. I have demonstrated my dedication and commitment through exemplary customer service and strong, independent leadership in my current position. Becoming an enrolled agent, I have earned the privilege of practicing and representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. I will serve Story County with the same diligence, honesty and integrity that have empowered all of my lifetime experiences. 

5. What do you hope to accomplish once elected?  

I would continue to warrant the prudent management of taxpayer funds and engage in reviewing the fiscal restraints. I feel our county budget does not allow for any public official to engage in major changes but rather cooperation and compromise to balance the budget first. While there are avenues to pursue, I feel that one cannot spend borrowed operating money to fulfill campaign promises.

I also believe there is a need to further explore instilling a professional certification for all those who directly handle our tax dollars; currently there are only two requirements necessary to hold the county treasurer position — the age of 18 and live in the county. There is still a need to pursue ways for increased transparency which is essential to achieve a more effective and efficient system. I would continue to be open to new ideas and look for opportunities that make the best use of resources without incurring further debt.