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Rob Estes, Republican Candidate for Kansas State Treasurer, realizes that many people might not be aware of the many responsibilities of the office he seeks, but educating voters hasn’t been a problem.
“I haven’t had difficulties, but it’s not a high profile office,” Estes said. “I’m helping them understand an aspect of government they might not be familiar with.”
The treasurer’s office deals with managing the state’s cash deposits, funds from bond sales and directing the state’s investments - all areas where Estes says his experience comes into play as a two-term treasurer of Sedgwick County.
Estes comes from a farm family in Osage County. Born in Topeka, Estes graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in civil engineering. Prior to entering public life, Estes worked as a consultant and in management roles in aerospace, oil and gas and the automotive industry. According to his online biography, he also “...successfully implemented a variety of different financial and other computer systems that have improved efficiency. He also analyzed and improved business processes utilizing concepts to eliminate errors and streamline procedures.”
He says he’s running to put some of these skills to use for the public.
“My background before becoming Sedgwick County Treasurer was working in the business world, focusing on projects dealing with customer service and process improvement - something we need more of in government,” Estes said. “The thing to think about is the state treasurer’s office is a lot like county treasurer. They’re both administrative roles.”
However, Estes realizes that his Democratic opponent, current State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, has some experience of his own, and Estes isn’t shy about making a distinction between them on what the experience means.
“(McKinney’s) background is more in the political and policy role, and not as much on the administrative side,” Estes said.
As far as priorities, Estes said that he wants to promote financial literacy at the school-age level, and working to address problems in the state’s retirement system. Estes also said that maintaining current programs, such as Learning Quest and the unclaimed property program.
“I think (the unclaimed property program) is a great service the state provides,” Estes said, adding he would like to use current technology to cross-reference income tax records, drivers licenses and local tax records to make sure individuals who are owed items or funds can be contacted.
Estes says that while he believes he may be outspent by McKinney, he’s focused on meeting as many voters as possible, and supporting his fellow Republicans - many of which have endorsed his campaign.
“We’re getting out and about, going to lots of parades and forums. We’re focusing on a grassroots campaign,” Estes said. “ It’s fun. I’m enjoying the process.”
Votes will have a chance to choose between Estes and McKinney on Nov. 2.
Rob Estes, Republican Candidate for Kansas State Treasurer, realizes that many people might not be aware of the many responsibilities of the office he seeks, but educating voters hasn’t been a problem.
“I haven’t had difficulties, but it’s not a high profile office,” Estes said. “I’m helping them understand an aspect of government they might not be familiar with.”
The treasurer’s office deals with managing the state’s cash deposits, funds from bond sales and directing the state’s investments - all areas where Estes says his experience comes into play as a two-term treasurer of Sedgwick County.
Estes comes from a farm family in Osage County. Born in Topeka, Estes graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a degree in civil engineering. Prior to entering public life, Estes worked as a consultant and in management roles in aerospace, oil and gas and the automotive industry. According to his online biography, he also “...successfully implemented a variety of different financial and other computer systems that have improved efficiency. He also analyzed and improved business processes utilizing concepts to eliminate errors and streamline procedures.”
He says he’s running to put some of these skills to use for the public.
“My background before becoming Sedgwick County Treasurer was working in the business world, focusing on projects dealing with customer service and process improvement - something we need more of in government,” Estes said. “The thing to think about is the state treasurer’s office is a lot like county treasurer. They’re both administrative roles.”
However, Estes realizes that his Democratic opponent, current State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, has some experience of his own, and Estes isn’t shy about making a distinction between them on what the experience means.
“(McKinney’s) background is more in the political and policy role, and not as much on the administrative side,” Estes said.
As far as priorities, Estes said that he wants to promote financial literacy at the school-age level, and working to address problems in the state’s retirement system. Estes also said that maintaining current programs, such as Learning Quest and the unclaimed property program.
“I think (the unclaimed property program) is a great service the state provides,” Estes said, adding he would like to use current technology to cross-reference income tax records, drivers licenses and local tax records to make sure individuals who are owed items or funds can be contacted.
Estes says that while he believes he may be outspent by McKinney, he’s focused on meeting as many voters as possible, and supporting his fellow Republicans - many of which have endorsed his campaign.
“We’re getting out and about, going to lots of parades and forums. We’re focusing on a grassroots campaign,” Estes said. “ It’s fun. I’m enjoying the process.”
Votes will have a chance to choose between Estes and McKinney on Nov. 2.
