FRANK MILES ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MADISON COUNTY TREASURER

Pledges Program of Taxpayer Education,
Information & Customer Service

EDWARDSVILLE, October 26, 2009 – Frank Miles, Director of the Madison County Planning and Development Department and former District Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello, today officially announced his candidacy for Madison County Treasurer.

Earlier today Miles filed the petitions and completed the paperwork necessary to appear on the ballot in the February 2, 2010 primary election seeking the nomination as the Democratic candidate.

“First and foremost, as Treasurer I will work diligently to effectively manage the taxpayers’ money. But I intend to educate and regularly communicate with taxpayers as to how their tax dollars are collected, invested and spent,” Miles stated. “I intend to develop an expanded customer service program, including the creation of a Taxpayer Help Desk to answer any questions related to finance raised by county residents, and a taxpayer education program that is second to none in the State of Illinois”.

The Madison County Treasurer’s office interacts with all taxing districts in the county, the approximately 90,000 taxpayers and is charged with collecting the more than $400 million dollars in tax revenue that is distributed to the respective taxing districts. “As a constitutional office, the Treasurer is responsible with receiving, managing and disbursing tax funds, not with property assessments or establishing tax levies and rates,” Miles said.

“As Treasurer I will look for new ways to build on the success of the four payment property tax plan initiated by the current Treasurer, Mr. (Fred) Bathon, and to create options to help relieve the financial pressure on many of our county’s residents,” Miles added. “My office will be committed to serving the people of Madison County.”

Miles cites his extensive experience in federal, state and local government as an asset to serving as Treasurer, ensuring the office is effectively managed and that tax revenues are properly received, invested and disbursed.

Miles said that he will seek the expert advice and counsel of his professional contacts in banking, finance, economic development and community leadership. “I intend to establish a Madison County Treasurer’s Advisory Committee to provide input into ways the county’s financial management and policies system can be improved.”

“I also intend to create a bi-partisan, citizen-based Taxpayer Advisory Board to assist my office in the development of new programs and policies,” Miles continued. “The advisory board will enable us stay in touch with the needs of county residents.”

In addition to his position with Madison County and his service on the staff of Congressman Costello, Miles previously served as Planning Director for the City of Edwardsville, Comptroller and Finance Officer for the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s office, and as City Administrator & Economic Developer for the City of O’Fallon (IL).

Miles, 49, is a native of Granite City and currently resides in Edwardsville. He is married and the father of four children. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Public Affairs and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.