Knies, Jarboe Bartley vying for Jasper Clerk-Treasurer position

*Kiersten Knies (left) and Bridgette Jarboe Bartley are running for Clerk-Treasurer of Jasper.*

Early voting in the 2023 Municipal Election is underway in Dubois County, and we are publishing a series of Q&As with candidates in the contested seats.

Jasper voters have two choices in the clerk-treasurer’s position this year. Kiersten Knies, a Democrat, is seeking to retain her position as the City of Jasper’s Clerk-Treasurer from Republican Bridgette Jarboe Bartley.

The clerk-treasurer acts as the chief financial officer for the city and maintains the official records for the city. The office serves as the clerk of the City Council and Board of Public Works and Safety.

Powers and duties of the office:

Processes and maintains all financial data, including revenues, expenditures, payroll and city budgets.
Makes investments of city monies.
Keeps records of Council and Board of Public Works and Safety proceedings and has charge of documents relating to its business.
Prepares and keeps rdinance Books and resolutions.
Keeps contracts between the city and other public agencies.
Provides copies, upon request, of documents that are maintained in the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office.
May officiate at weddings

We asked each candidate a series of questions and have provided their responses below.

Why are you seeking the position of clerk-treasurer?

Kiersten Knies

My desire to retain this position is driven by a genuine commitment to the City of Jasper and its residents. I am passionate about local government, and I have a strong desire to serve. As Clerk-Treasurer, I have a solid understanding of the city’s financial landscape and day-to-day operations. I have built trust and relationships within my department, with my colleagues, and with many stakeholders and members of the community. I have developed a vision to help ensure the City of Jasper’s success. I look forward to the opportunity to continue the work my team has started, to continue to build on the achievements of our office and to continue to see progress in the City of Jasper. I look forward to the opportunity to see that vision through and leave a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Bridgette Jarboe Bartley

I want to work with the City Council and all Departments. We need to make sure we are getting all grants possible to help the City with our projects and spending. And not giving up a million-dollar grant, like the one we did for the Downtown project.

We need to take care of our City employees. This year’s 4% cost of living raise doesn’t cover the average cost of living increase.

Our police department deserves a raise to keep them from leaving our JPD for the Indiana State Police. Their job is just as dangerous; look at what has just happened in Perry County and Oakland City.

Our fire department has a 29-year-old truck that needs to be replaced.

While we did pass the budget on the first reading, what have we done for the protection of the City?

We are very fortunate to live in a community that cares, like our city employees. We are, again, very fortunate that we have the police protection and fire protection that we do… but how do we retain them?

I will ask the council when preparing budgets and will hold them accountable, as well as the departments.

We all can do better. Imposing and raising taxes is not the answer.

What qualifications do you have that make you the right candidate for this position?

Bridgette Jarboe Bartley

As your former County Clerk, I have eight years of preparing budgets, and I have been through audits with the State Board of Accounts and have a relationship. Also, during those eight years, I was responsible for preparing and submitting monthly, quarterly and yearly reports for the Courts, Child Support and Elections.

During that time of budgeting myself with Election Board approval, we were able to save the taxpayers of Dubois County $75,000 per election with the addition of electronic poll pads and consolidating to polling locations during that time frame.

Kiersten Knies

I have valuable experience and expertise in various aspects of local government operations. I have a strong understanding of government policies, laws, and regulations, and I am committed to professionalism, accuracy, and integrity. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Political Science. I worked as a State and Local Government Contract Specialist at Kimball Office for eight years. I worked for the County of Dubois for eight years in various positions.

In 2022, I was elected by precinct chairpersons as Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Jasper. Currently, serving as Clerk-Treasurer has provided me with additional knowledge and a solid understanding of this position and operations within the City of Jasper.

What do you feel is the most important role of the clerk-treasurer position?

Kiersten Knies

The Clerk-Treasurer has many important responsibilities, including overseeing finances, record keeping, reporting, investing, payroll, and compliance. All of these responsibilities are crucial to the success of the City of Jasper as a whole. My central responsibility as Clerk-Treasurer is to continue to protect the city’s finances and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and efficiently while maintaining compliance with the State Board of Accounts and all other regulatory agencies.

Bridgette Jarboe Bartley

Submitting reports on time, paying bills on time, and knowing how line item funds can be moved to get the best results for our citizens and taxpayers of the City of Jasper. Most importantly, not being afraid to ask for help.

And being a conservative voice for the taxpayers of Jasper.