Lynne Christiansen, incumbent, and Larry Ladd, both Republicans, are vying to win the Warsaw Clerk-Treasurer’s race in Tuesday’s primary and be on the November Municipal Election ballot.

Christiansen was born and raised in Warsaw, attending Lincoln and Washington elementary schools and graduating from Warsaw High School. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership magna cum laude from Goshen College.

She is the mother of one son, Brett McDonald, and has one grand kitty named Darth Vader.

She was appointed by a Republican caucus in 2010 after the mid-term retirement of the former clerk-treasurer. The voters affirmed that choice in November 2011, electing her to the office.

Before becoming clerk-treasurer, Christiansen worked at the Warsaw Police Department for 26 years. Being interested in government leadership and structure and through her course work at Goshen College, she had the opportunity to spend time in Central Mexico and Mexico City learning about the culture, government and history. The experience provided her a broader view and understanding of government systems in general.

She has participated in two mission trips helping to build a church and projects at a technical school in Bolivia and working on homes in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina.

Ladd, also born and raised in Warsaw, is a 1970 graduate of Warsaw High School and 1975 graduate of Western New Mexico University.

He has two children.

Ladd has spent 25 years as a financial officer and 30 years as chief operating officer for Jellystone Campground. He was elected to two terms as Kosciusko County Coroner, was president of the Indiana State Coroner’s Association in 2004 and chosen Indiana Coroner of the year by the Association of Indiana Counties in 2005.

He has participated in the Kosciusko Leadership Academy, is a certified investigator, served on the board of directors for RVIA from 2006-09 and the RPTIA from 2011-13. He also served on the Leisure Systems Advisory Board from 1997-99. He is a current member of the Warsaw Park Board.

Both candidates were asked three questions. Following are their responses:

What qualifications do you have to seek the office of Clerk-Treasurer?

Christiansen: “I have held the office of clerk-treasurer since March 2010. During that time I have attained Indiana Accredited Municipal Clerk status and am working toward Certified Municipal Clerk status. My degree in organizational leadership from Goshen College set the stage for community service in this position.

“In addition to these educational attainments, I have the ability to consider and implement sensible modifications to better serve the City of Warsaw. Examples of this are updating the financial software and providing payment options for residents by establishing credit card bill payment.

“I am dedicated to leading the office of clerk-treasurer through fiscal responsibility, ethical practices and transparency through daily operations. With my staff of four we manage an annual budget of just under $33 million dollars. Other duties of the office include accounts payable and receivable, payroll for all city employees, contracts and grants, reconciliation of bank accounts and preservation of city records to name a few.  

Ladd: “As financial officer of one of the largest privately owned resorts in the nation, I believe I’m well qualified to serve as clerk-treasurer and serve the residents of Warsaw in a responsible manner. And, as chief operational officer I bring the unique aspect of experiencing the complexity of operating a small municipality.”

Why are you seeking the nomination?

Christiansen: “Serving in this position has been very rewarding, enjoyable and fulfilling for me. I want to continue to lead the office of clerk-treasurer in setting a solid financial basis for the City of Warsaw. My continuance as clerk-treasurer will ensure smooth office operations with no downtime for having to learn all relevant laws, regulations and practices.”

Ladd: “I am seeking the office of clerk-treasurer to maintain and manage all financial accounts and assets of the city with full public transparency. I will keep our citizens fully informed on the financial condition and welfare of our city, and to make city hall a place where citizens are always welcomed and encouraged to ask questions about the financial status of our city.”

What do you feel is the primary responsibility of the clerk-treasurer?

Christiansen: “The primary responsibility of the clerk-treasurer is to manage all of the City of Warsaw’s financial transactions in accordance to the state board of accounts and department of local government finance requirements set by law.”

Ladd: “The clerk-treasurer manages and maintains all city financial accounts and records following all Indiana laws and local statutory and state board of account regulations. All records must be maintained with full public transparency.”