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« Politicians 2009
Nick Barborak
- Nick Barborak's Photo
- From:
Lisbon, OH
- Office Sought:
Columbiana County Treasurer, Democrat
- Offices previously held:
Columbiana County Treasurer, January 11, 2007 to present
- Nick's reasons for seeking office:
I was raised in a household that placed a high priority on public service. From the time I was old enough to understand, my mother encouraged me to strive to make a difference. I believe the County Treasurer's Office is vital to a healthy county government. There are areas in which we must continue to make improvements, such as foreclosures, delinquent tax collection, savings to taxpayers and more accessible government. With the voters' blessing, I hope to continue my efforts in those areas. As a life-long resident of Columbiana County, it is important to me that we foster an atmosphere in which our children can envision a bright future without moving away. As County Treasurer, I know that I can play a part in that.
- Nick's qualifications:
I have extensive education in the areas of commercial and banking law, micro and macro economics, and public administration. I am a founding partner in a successful business. For more than five years, I was the legal adviser to the County Treasurer, County Auditor, and County Commissioners. I have represented the county in thousands of foreclosure proceedings. Most importantly, I have been the County Treasurer for nearly two years. In that time, I have increased the amount of delinquent collections and increased the interest income from investments. I have also created a task force to educate the public about options to avoid foreclosure.
- Where Nick stands on the issues:
The overriding issue with the County Treasurer's race is always trust. As Treasurer, I handle tens of millions of dollars of public money. It is important to me that our books balance every day. We also must be concerned with the economy. The County Treasurer plays a vital part in the local economy. We provide much of the revenue needed by public schools and political subdivisions to operate. Without the efficient provision of these services, economic growth is hampered. Also vital to economic growth is keeping the price of admission low. Several years ago, the county lowered the property tax obligation by two mills. Still, I hear desperate stories from taxpayers who are losing their homes because they cannot afford the taxes. I am strongly opposed to the county raising property taxes.
- Nick's priorities if elected:
The most devastating factor in our struggling economy is the housing market. With so many foreclosures, the impact on home sales is apparent. We have to turn the table on home foreclosures if we want our housing market to rebound. Statistics show that nearly 50% of all foreclosures can be avoided if the homeowner simply contacts their lender's loss-mitigation department. Groups such as ESOP have an 80% success rate in loan work-outs. I will continue educating the public about their options. If we save one home, it will be worthwhile. I will also continue my efforts at increasing the collection of delinquent taxes. For decades, the delinquency in this county has grown to unacceptable levels. In my first year, I increased delinquent collections by more than 15%. Delinquent collections in the first half of my second year increased by 22% over the same period for the prior year. If elected, I will continue my aggressive approach at reigning in delinquent tax dollars, starting with the biggest offenders.
- Related Campaigns
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