Two local Republican women are vying for the office of Crawford County treasurer.
Rikki Callaway and Carrie Osborne are both of the GOP ballot for the June 28 primary. No Democrat is in the running.
Both candidates work for current Treasurer Twyla Bailey, who will be retiring at the end of the year. Both are running for public office for the first time.
Rikki Callaway
“I have gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience working as a clerk with Bailey,” she stated. “I will continue to be dedicated and a reliable manager of your public funds.”
During her campaign, she has attended several events within the county and has made herself approachable to the public with any questions they may have.
“I want to make sure that you, as the customer, get the best experience with the smoothest transition and quickest service possible when you enter our office no matter the reason,” she said. “Whether you are paying taxes, inquiring about a property or just having something notarized.”
“If elected, I plan to attend additional training sessions and conferences with my peers,” Callaway said. “I am dedicated to working hard for our customers, the taxpayers of Crawford County.”
With property tax season quickly approaching, Callaway will be handling the payments for the third year at the office.
“I am responsible for reconciling over 60 bank accounts for the county, preparing revenue and expense reports for each county department, reviewing investments at local banks and preparing the county highway’s bridge and motor fuel tax fund payments,” she said.
“It is my hope to continue to provide the same fiscally responsible and friendly service currently offered by the Treasurer office, as well as incorporate emerging technology and user friendly payment options in the future,” Callaway said.
Callaway was an employee and bookstore manager at Lincoln Trail College for more than 15 years before coming to the treasurer’s office.
“My prior experience at LTC has given me invaluable experience working with the public,” she said. “I will treat everyone with the same respect, smile and friendly service.”
She stated that it has taught her well and prepared her for her next venture.
I enjoy working with the public, it is never the same and that is one of the things I enjoy about it,” Callaway said.
She is a member of 100 Working Women Who Care, Professional Business Women of Crawford County, Crawford County Republican Women as well as a member of the Robinson Elks.
Callaway is also a member of the Palestine Chamber and the Robinson Chamber as well as a Hutsonville and LTC alumni.
She has a 17-year-old son, who plays baseball and is very passionate about playing the guitar.
Carrie Osborne
“For more than 10 years, I have worked in the treasurer’s office,” Osborne said. “I have been dedicated to serving the public as deputy clerk.”
Her responsibilities in the office include depositing the counties money, tax season set up, accepting payments, balancing monthly bank statement and closing transfers and reports for the county.
“I would like the treasure’s office to fun as smooth as possible with the citizens in this county in mind,” she said. “I believe by downsizing employment back to three employees within the office will save on the office budget.”
She stated she would also like to make the communication between herself and the public a priority.
“Their questions and concerns are very important to me,” she said.
“The treasure’s office plays a vital role in the lives of Crawford County residents,” Osborne said. “The office is not only responsible for safely collecting and keeping revenues but also for proper accounting for the disbursement of those public moneys.”
She believes that communicating to the county board about the financial position of the county is essential for proper management.
“Accurate budgeting is one of the most important things that a county government does and maintaining that budget is essential to the financial stability as your next Crawford County Treasurer,” she said.
Osborne graduated from Oblong High School and Lincoln Trail College.
She is a member of Highland Church of Christ and served as 1st Vice President of the Crawford County Republican Women as well as a member of the 100 Women Who Care.
“I am a mother, grandmother and supporter of the community,” she said.
“I will work diligently to preserve the values of the office, uphold state statues and provide outstanding service and communications to all the residents of Crawford County,” she said.