With the June election approaching, Marshall County Treasurer candidate Mary Ann Hale is making her case to voters by emphasizing her experience in county government, commitment to transparency and dedication to safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Hale, who has called Marshall County home since 2002, said the community quickly became more than just a place to live.
Over the past two decades, she has built deep roots through family, volunteer work and public service and now hopes to continue serving residents as the county’s next treasurer. A mother and grandmother of six grandsons, Hale said Marshall County is where she plans to spend her retirement years.
Her ties to the area extend beyond family, however. Throughout her time in the county, she has been actively involved in numerous community projects and organizations. Amonghervolunteer efforts, Hale spent approximately 15 years coaching youth cheerleading for students in grades four through eight. She also volunteered extensively with local schools and school functions, founded Marshall County Christmas on the Square and served for several years on the Madill Beautification Committee.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration through Oklahoma State University, Hale recently transitioned from employment with OSU’s Center for Local Government Technology to work closer to home. ShenowservesastheDistrict 3 Office Administrator for Marshall County.
As she seeks election as county treasurer, Hale said her campaign centers on responsible financial management andensuringtaxpayers receive the greatest benefit from county investments.
“As a property owner myself, I understand that property is an investment,” Hale said. “The money in county accounts isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s hard-earned tax dollars that help fund our local schools, health services and emergency services.”
The office of county treasurer is responsible for receiving, managing and investing county funds in accordance with Oklahoma law. Hale said she would focus on conducting annual competitive depository bidding processes that allow all qualified financial institutions the opportunity to submit proposals for handling county funds.
She said those proposals should be evaluated based on interest rates, service fees and financial security. Hale believes maximizing returns on county investments while maintaining strict compliance with state laws can help ensure taxpayers receive the greatest value from their tax dollars.
She also stressed the importance of being informed about changing financial regulations and legislative requirements.
“Financialregulationsand state statutes are constantly shifting,” Hale said. “We cannot afford to be reactive or wait for an audit to tell us we’re behind.”
If elected, Hale said she plans to ensure the Treasurer’s Office remains fully compliant with all state requirements while maintaining a high level of transparency. Among her proposals is making annual state audit reports readily available online through either an existing or newly created county website.
She also pledged to make public information easily accessible in accordance with Oklahoma’s Open Records Act. Hale pointed to her professional background as evidence she possesses the skills necessary to manage the county’s finances.
In addition to earning educational certificates and helping educate elected officials on taxes, budgets and financial records during her tenure with Oklahoma State University, she also gained firsthand experience working with Marshall County finances while serving as Executive Administrator for the Marshall County Commissioners.
In that role, she was responsible for allocating appropriate funds among the county’s three commissioner districts, managing dozens of financial accounts, tracking expenditures and revenues, processing purchase orders, reconciling accounts and assisting with annual fiscalyear transitions. She also managed financial records for the county’s Emergency Management Department.
Looking ahead, Hale said shebelievesMarshallCounty is entering a period of growth that will require strong financial oversight and a willingness to embrace new approaches.
“Too often, we get comfortable with the ways things have always been,” Hale said. “With the expected growth our county is facing, it’s time for change. The change we need.”
As voters prepare to head to the polls in June, Hale said she is asking residents for the opportunity to serve as Marshall County Treasurer and bring what she describes as a platform built on transparency, fiscal accountability, statutory compliance, continuingeducation and customer service. The MarshallCountyelectionwill give voters the opportunity to decide who will oversee the county’s finances and investments in the years ahead, a responsibility that directly impacts public services, schoolsandcountyoperations throughout the community.