Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring Sharon Hanek, candidate for Washington State Treasurer.
Note: It is our Club’s policy to invite both candidates to speak to us for certain selected elected officials.
The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the Zoom line opening at 7 a.m. The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m. No registration is required, and the program is free.
Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.
Sharon Hanek (R)
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up on military bases in Japan and moved to Seattle to attend University of Washington to obtain my business and accounting degree. Over the past 30 years I have operated a CPA business serving a variety of corporate and individual clients. I believe in giving back to our community and have been on the boards of several youth sports organizations and school boards. I have also served as Chair of the Pierce County Charter Review Commission and Pierce County Redistricting Commission. Currently I am a Pierce County Planning Commissioner and member of the Pierce County Birth -25 Advisory Board.
Why are you running for Washington State Treasurer?
In recent years, we have seen an increase of concerns in the security of the State’s financial system. One notable incident was the Employment Security scandal to send millions to a foreign county. This is a good time to bring in a professional CPA that has experience in strengthening financial internal control systems.
What are your qualifications?
An accountant’s mindset is trained to protect assets and strengthen cash flow systems. I will bring my professional experience to the job in securing our investments, overseeing our obligations, and maintaining strong cash flow process. I also have strong private sector experience in understanding the tax structure of Washington State and can advocate for lower taxes for all taxpayers.
What do you see as the number one job for Washington’s next State Treasurer?
All aspects of the job are important however my priority will be to focus on strengthening the protection of our cash flow. This area is where I believe we have been lacking and incidences of mismanagement of funds seems to be increasing.
How would you as State Treasurer make Washingtonians’ lives better?
In addition to the changes mentioned above, I will also work to creating better reporting and disclosure of information so the public can understand how their tax dollars are spent. I have often looked up financial data and find that it is not easy to navigate the government accounting reports. Citizens need to know where their tax money is going to and how it is being used.
How would you describe the financial health of Washington state and what would you do, if anything, to improve it?
I believe that the investment system and obligations are in good condition. I have also read audit reports that disclosure certain procedures are not be followed consistently leaving room for mismanagement of funds. I think Washington’s finances are in a good position but it is time to have leadership that will help strengthen our system in the face of new challenges of cybersecurity. We will continue the good practices we are doing and resolve issues that need change.
Why should people who live in Washington vote for you?
Voting for Sharon Hanek will be a vote for someone that has the accounting experiences needed for this position.
