First Assistant County Auditor Cheryl Chambers announced today she is a candidate for the office of County Treasurer in the March 2010 Republican Primary.

“I am the candidate that will be present and will take care of business in the Treasurer’s office each and every day,” Chambers said. “I am the candidate that will balance ALL bank statements timely every month.”

Chambers, who served 10 years as Assistant Treasurer under Mark Price, is knowledgeable of all aspects of the Treasurer’s responsibilities. She has over 25 years of accounting experience and a proven track record that demonstrates qualities she believes are necessary for success in the office: honesty, accuracy, innovation and dedication.

“I realize that every dollar that is spent is a taxpayer dollar, and I have always taken a common-sense approach to my work,” she said. “It needs to be done right, on time, and we need to be constantly on the look out for better ways to get the job done. My three years in the Auditor’s office has really given me a broader perspective of the county’s accounting practices and the need for sound, efficient policies.”

Topping the list of plans Chambers has in mind are innovations such as direct deposit for vendors, positive pay, and other fraud prevention measures. “I will not simply talk about these measures, I will get them in place. Accurate and timely record keeping and accounting practices will go a long way toward securing taxpayer funds from the ever increasing threat of fraud, but there are also many other sound yet inexpensive ways to protect the public dollars. I look forward to putting my experience to work and implementing some great improvements.”

Innovation and hard work are apparent in the over 12 years that Chambers has served as a county employee; she implemented the county’s first employee health fair and worker’s compensation safety programs, initiated direct deposit for employee wages, and has built solid working relationships with other employees and elected officials throughout the county. She recently earned her certification as a County Investment Officer through the Texas Association of Counties, which further illustrates her commitment to continual training and education.

Born and raised in Waxahachie, Cheryl and her husband of 22 years, Steve, have two children: Justin, a student at Tarleton State University and Stephanie, a senior at Waxahachie High School. Chambers is the daughter of the late Frank Shelkofsky and Butch and Linda Nelson. Her two sisters, Rhonda Johnston and Gaye Johnson, also live in Waxahachie with their families. In-laws, Hubert and HughLane Chambers have also been live long residence of Ellis County.

“This is my home and always has been. Being a part of our community, and being responsible to our friends and neighbors, is just how I was raised. I am proud of this community and proud of every opportunity that I have had to serve. I look forward to serving as Ellis County Treasurer.”