Candidates for the four-year term of Monroe County treasurer are incumbent Teresa Johnson and challenger Lucas deBartolo. The position currently pays $61,171 a year.

The League of Women Voters of Monroe County asked the question: Do you have specific suggestions for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the office for which you are a candidate? Responses have been edited because of space constraints.

Lucas DeBartolo

Democrat

Stroud Township

Occupation: Manager, Special Initiatives at Pocono Mountains United Way

Education: Bachelor of Arts from East Stroudsburg University, major in finance, minor in economics; Associate of Arts from Northampton Community College, major in business administration; Associate of Science from Northampton Community College, major in accounting.

Qualifications: I am running for treasurer because I have the skills and experience to implement the fiscal responsibility we need, while also providing better service to our residents. I am an Eagle Scout from Troop 86, and I hold three degrees in finance, business administration and accounting. I work for a great nonprofit - Pocono Mountains United Way, serving technology, resource development and programming needs of the organization. I manage our pledge processing database staff member who is responsible for keeping track of the multimillion-dollar budget of donations and grants that flows into United Way.

Answer: The treasurer’s office is an important office that controls the inflow of funds into the county, issues licenses and collects the hotel tax. The treasurer sits on the retirement board, making recommendations for the management of Monroe’s $100-plus million pension fund. I will continue to store county funds in the highest interest rate banks we can find, while implementing technology upgrades. Our pension fund wastes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. We pay an adviser six figures, who recommends investing in high-fee mutual funds, which then underperform when compared to a general index of the stock market.

Teresa Johnson

Republican incumbent

Jackson Township

Occupation: Monroe County Treasurer

Education: East Stroudsburg High School graduate 1977, attended classes at East Stroudsburg University

Qualifications: 40 years banking experience. Treasurer of Monroe County for 3.5 years. Leadership, dedication, experience

Answer: I have been Monroe County Treasurer for the past 3.5 years seeking re-election. I reviewed all the financial statements and made the decision to close 15 accounts, moving them to different banks in the area. Our interest earnings have generated over $1.6 million of interest earnings revenue for the taxpayers of Monroe County. I upgraded technology increasing daily productivity scanning all files and documents, saving both time and money. I am responsible for making sure funds are available for processing payments and the bank accounts are earning the highest rates possible.