×

Meet the Candidates: Kathy Holtz (I-Toledo)

Tama County Treasurer

"I believe my accounting education, financial background, customer service experience, and dedication to our community make me the best candidate for Tama County Treasurer."

Telegraph note: Ahead of the November 8 General Election, Tama-Grundy Publishing sent out questionnaires to all of the declared candidates in the contested races in Tama County. Last week, we printed responses from candidates for the Iowa House of Representatives. This week we focus on Tama County Supervisors District 1 and County Treasurer; next week we will print Iowa Senate. Early voting by absentee ballot in Iowa began this past Wednesday, Oct. 19 – including in person in county auditors’ offices.

Candidate Spotlight: Tama County Treasurer

KATHY HOLTZ (INDEPENDENT)

Age: 52

Residence: Toledo

Family: Three daughters – Sarah Young and husband, Dustin, have one son, Barnett; Samantha Cantonwine and husband, Dave; Sabrina and fiancee, Dan Kass

Education: 3.5 years University of Iowa, accounting major

Profession: Certified Pharmacy Technician

1) Why are you the best candidate for this office – what differentiates you from your opponent?

I have been invested in Tama County since my family moved here 22 years ago. Tama County became home for us then, and I have always strived to make it a better place to live. With my accounting educational background, I have been an integral part of assisting with the financial side of many organizations and projects. Additionally, working in a community pharmacy setting for 20 years, I have acquired valuable experience assisting people with confusing insurance plans, understanding medication costs, and providing emotional support. I believe between my education, various fiscal responsibilities, and customer service experience makes me the best candidate for the Tama County Treasurer position. I want to make the experience of paying property taxes, registering a car, or getting a driver’s license a positive one.

2) How will your experiences and background inform your work if elected?

First and foremost, I am dedicated to being a good steward of our public funds. I am always looking for ways to improve efficiency and minimize expenditures. As a Toledo Public Library trustee, I developed budgets to present to the City of Toledo for 12 years. My top priority is balancing being an advocate for the library while limiting the use of the city’s funds. My experience working with the public gives me a strong foundation for serving the people of Tama County.

3) If elected, how will you exercise fiduciary responsibility and oversight?

As a volunteer for several organizations in Tama County, I have had a strong fiduciary

responsibility for the citizens of the community or donors of a project. An integral part of the fundraisers I have helped organize is to balance the income and expenses to ensure maximum profits.

4) Are there any reforms you would like to see made in the Tama County Treasurer’s Office?

My goal for the office will be to maximize efficiency in the office and continue building upon the positive relationships I have with many Tama County citizens.

5) Please share three things you believe voters would find interesting about you.

I welcomed a Swiss girl into our family 23 years ago as a foreign exchange student, who we have remained close with and consider her family.

I started working at Doyle’s Family Pharmacy to earn some extra funds for my family, and 20 years later I’m a full-time Certified Pharmacy Technician.

My family and I have organized and raised over $30,000 for the Toledo Public Library and the Wieting Theatre Guild. Additionally, I also participated in fundraising efforts and wrote grants to assist with a new daycare building in 2006.