Mesa County residents will soon choose who manages the county's public funds as candidates for Treasurer share their qualifications and vision for the office. Dave Edwards, a Democrat, and Greg Haitz, a Republican, recently outlined their preparedness for the role, emphasizing their financial expertise, leadership experience, and views on why the treasurer should remain an elected position. The Treasurer's office plays a critical role for Mesa County taxpayers, handling property tax collection and distribution, investing public funds, and managing tax liens.
Edwards highlighted his extensive background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), complemented by advanced legal training including a Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation and Administrative Law, along with an MBA. He stated this dual background ensures he not only comprehends complex financial ledgers and internal controls but also identifies potential conflicts, guiding the office away from even the appearance of impropriety. Edwards pointed to his experience managing large financial staffs and funds, which he said were "multiples larger than the combined revenues of Mesa County and its local taxing entities," suggesting he brings immediate operational readiness to the role with zero learning curve. He stressed the importance of organizational oversight, delegation, and maintaining rigorous institutional integrity, describing himself as fluent in workflow management, internal accountability, and fostering a professional workplace culture from day one.
Haitz emphasized his more than two decades of business leadership, financial management, and direct involvement in Mesa County government. As a business owner, he has managed budgets, payroll, financial statements, and employee hiring and management, calling these "real-world responsibilities where mistakes have consequences and accountability matters." He noted his deliberate efforts to understand county government, serving on the Mesa County Planning Commission and completing the Inside Mesa County program twice. Haitz clarified that the treasurer is distinct from the county finance director, with responsibilities focused on collecting and distributing property taxes, safeguarding and investing public funds, administering tax liens, and performing Public Trustee duties, rather than developing the county budget or setting tax policy. He stated that his experience in managing people and organizations includes hiring, training, and building teams, and he understands that effective management involves putting the right people in positions, setting expectations, and providing tools for success. Haitz also highlighted his past role as president of the Colorado Chiropractic Association, where he was involved in restructuring finances, operations, and addressing staffing issues during significant challenges.
Both candidates expressed strong support for the treasurer remaining an elected position, despite it not being a policy-making role. Edwards argued that an independently elected treasurer serves as an "impartial referee," directly accountable to voters and independent of political boards or special interests. He stated this ensures all taxpayers and taxing entities are treated with absolute equity and safety, noting that the office’s core mandate is predefined by statute, ethics, and fiduciary duty. Haitz echoed this sentiment, believing it valuable for the person entrusted with public funds to be directly accountable to the people. He noted that an elected treasurer operates independently within county government, answering directly to Mesa County citizens, who can evaluate the office’s management, protection of funds, customer service, transparency, and integrity. Haitz concluded that this direct accountability provides "an important layer of independence and public oversight" for the critical financial duties of the office.