Election 2023: Democrat Kris Ballerini For Bucks County Treasurer

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Democrat Kris Ballerini is seeking re-election to the office of Bucks County Treasurer. She faces a challenge in the General Election from Republican Sherry Labs.

Biographical Information

Name: Kris Ballerini
Age: 57
Town of residence: Doylestown
Position sought: Treasurer
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family: Rocco Ballerini, Katrina (Eric), Ariana (Joseph)
Education: AA, English (Santa Fe College), Financial Management Certification (Cornell University)
Occupation: Treasurer for County of Bucks

Questions

What are the top issues currently facing your position and how do you plan to address
them?

After 40 years of a non-competitive look at the banking services, I put the relationship out for bid and am in the middle of the transition a new banking partner. A second term would allow me to see that through to completion with the cohesiveness of my team to minimize miscommunication and disruption of the implementation. Safeguarding your tax dollars and investing the excess to earn the maximum return is front and center in my position.

Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your position.

I am excited to begin the establishment a Financial Empowerment Center that offers free credit counseling, debt reduction, and budget planning to residents who fall behind in their taxes. As the Director of Tax Claims, I see how the rise of inflation has hurt our residents and I have a team willing to go the extra mile with service. We successfully helped many residents avoid tax sale by working with them and securing state grants. Empowering our youth and educating them on the basics of financial responsibility will be a second tier offered under the Empowerment Center model.

What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

Having nearly 15 years in retail banking allowed me to focus on the safety and health of my staff when COVID-19 hit Bucks County. The treasurer’s office is the bank for the county. Every dollar from the smallest licensing fee to large federal grants comes through my office. Financial procedures for cash handling, dual control, fraud protection, and daily cash reconciliations were all second nature to me upon being elected in 2020. I have effectively made my department a true treasury where fiscal responsibility, transparency, and diligence are our focus. We have established the treasury to adopt accounting practices that adhere to financial regulations and compliance set forth by the Federal Government.