H. Roger Zurn Jr.*

Office sought: Loudoun Treasurer
Party: Republican
Age: 54
Residence: Leesburg.
Web site:
http://www.rogerzurn.com
E-mail:
roger@rogerzurn.com

* Incumbent

Occupaton: Loudoun County treasurer.

Education: BS, University of Maryland.

Elected offices/civic activities: Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, 1990-95; chairman, Finance Committee, Board of Supervisors, 1992-95; treasurer, Loudoun County, 1996-present.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why should voters elect you?

A: Honesty, integrity, and experience. Loudoun's citizens have seen me in office for the last 12 years and know that their money is safe with me.

Q: What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

A: There are 2 major issues. 1. Keeping up with the growth of the population through the continued use of technology thus keeping staffing at a minimum. 2. Knowledge of the financial markets during the various highs and lows of the market. Having had twelve years of experience in handling over $1.3 billion in investments without ever losing one penny on any investment I have the knowledge necessary to assure Loudoun's citizens that the hard earned tax dollars are safe.

Q: What do you see as the key challenges facing the county treasurer's office over the next four years, and how will you meet those challenges?

A: Over the next four years there will be many of the same challenges that I faced over the last 12 years of service. First and foremost is delivering good customer service to the taxpayers of Loudoun. Next will be continuing to meet the challenge of an increasing population while keeping staffing down. This will be accomplished through continued use of technology. The Treasurer's Office has been at the forefront in the utilization of technology as evidenced by our office being the first office in Virginia to have online tax payments. We will continue to improve our web usage to make Loudoun's taxpayers' lives' easier. No one likes to pay taxes but at least we can make it a good experience. Due to the nuances of the financial markets, experience in investments is critical, I am proud that over the last twelve years not one penny of taxpayers' money has ever been lost. At the same time we have maximized returns on investments so that we are currently number 2 in the Northern Virginia region in investment return. I expect the next four years will be a time of turbulent markets and my past experience along with the knowledge gained will ensure taxpayers that their hard earned money is safe. I am proud that the Loudoun County Treasurer's Office leads the region in collection rate. As a result Loudoun's taxpayer do not have to pay more in taxes to make up for those who do not pay. I will continue to strive to lead the region over the next four years in collection rates while understanding that there will be those taxpayers who may be experiencing tough times and working with them to pay their taxes as they are able. Lastly, I have always tried to look out for the taxpayer's interest in dealings with the Board of Supervisors and have attempted to keep taxes low by pointing out when spending may be excessive or when a tax break to a large corporation may not be in the best interest of the average person. I pledge to continue to be a budget hawk for your benefit. We have accomplished much over my twelve year tenure but there is still more to do and I ask for the opportunity to serve Loudoun's citizens for the next four years.

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