JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – Challenger James “Jim” Mackie will face off against incumbent James Moon VanSteenberg for the Jefferson County Treasurer position in Tuesday’s election.
(Pictured left to right, James “Jim” Mackie and Incumbent James Moon VanSteenberg.)
James Moon VanSteenberg
James Moon VanSteenberg, the Republican incumbent, is seeking a fifth term as treasurer.
He is active with the State Treasurer’s Association where he served as President for the 2019-2020 year. He has served on the Executive Board and is currently serving as the Antlerless Committee Co-Chairman.
VanSteenberg maintains several memberships in community and fraternal organizations including County Chairman for Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the Brookville Laurel Festival Board, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, honorary membership in the Pine Creek VFD, the Brookville Fireman’s Club, and Hobah Lodge #276.
He also has lifetime memberships with; Coudersport Consistory AASR, Sigel’s Sportsman’s Club, and the NRA. He has also served on several boards past and present.
VanSteenberg describes himself as a fiscal conservative, saying he has continued to work to keep costs down in his office, from seeking grants to update equipment and starting online Dog License renewals to using online banking solutions for transferring money between accounts and banks.
He noted he has also worked diligently to keep his office open and working smoothly in the most cost-effectively manner possible for the taxpayers of Jefferson County, even during this past crazy year of COVID-19, even going so far as to open the Treasurer’s office at 10 p.m. on the to help a hunter replace his Antlerless License so he could hunt the next day.
“Deer season is so important to our local economy, I do everything I legally can to help the hunters get their doe licenses. My office has made literally thousands of calls to hunters who made mistakes on their applications or checks. I want to make sure Jefferson County receives every dollar it can from this valuable resource.” VanSteenberg told exploreJeffersonPA.com.
VanSteenberg said he believes a “consistent and steady approach” is needed more than ever to manage the Treasurer’s Office into the future and plans to continue to look for ways to reduce costs in his office while working with the Commissioners to balance the overall financial needs of Jefferson County.
He noted that many of his bookkeeping practices have saved Jefferson County Taxpayers countless dollars when it comes to the yearly auditing process and has been shared by the Counties Consultant around the State to teach other treasurers how to save time and money for their taxpayers.
VanSteenberg also attends the game commission’s quarterly meetings to keep the association informed on the issues which affect the Treasurers and hunting public. He has given testimony at the Game Commission and House Fish and Game Committee meetings, along with networking with House and Senate leaders to discuss the Treasurer’s issues with the Licensing process, and keep that process with the Treasurers, which he says also keeps much-needed revenue within the counties and keeps a level of integrity and service for the hunters that can’t be duplicated any other way.
“One of the most important issues for me is to fight to keep the antlerless licensing process fair and equitable for all hunters, not just those who are computer savvy.”
For those who are more computer savvy, VanSteenberg also started a Facebook page for the Treasurer’s Office to help keep the County residents informed of changes and updates concerning the many issues in his Office, including hunting and Fishing license sale dates, antlerless mail-in dates, status updates when the WMU’s are about to sell out, important dates and reminders for landowners and military personal about their license availability.
VanSteenberg notes that one of the most important services he does is, for the last 15 years, that of opening the Treasurer’s Office for military personnel over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend to help them obtain their hunting and doe licenses before the opening day of the season.
James “Jim” Mackie
James “Jim” Mackie, the Democratic challenger, is a U.S. Army Veteran and Winslow Township resident. He is also the owner and operator of Mackie’s Auto Sales and U-Haul in DuBois.
Mackie said his focus is on a fresh approach and a new direction.
“Last year, I was approached by dozens of people, for various reasons, asking me to consider running for Jefferson County Treasurer,” Mackie told exploreJeffersonPA.com.
“When I finally decided to run for county treasurer, I did so because I believe I can make a positive difference, and that two terms in any one office are enough.”
Mackie noted positions like the Pennsylvania Governor and the U.S. President are limited to two four-year terms.
“I don’t believe the founders meant for any public office to be held as a lifetime career, nor do I believe that they meant any office to be a family dynasty. This leads back to the ‘good old boys’ club.’ How has that worked for us in Washington D.C.?” he asked.
Mackie said he also believes that new fiscal leadership, fresh ideas, and proven conservative values will be beneficial to the residents of Jefferson County.
“I want to join with the other elected officials to make our county government an efficient, well-run entity. I have no hidden agenda in seeking this office and have tried to be polite and respectful to every county resident and elected official, even those who oppose my candidacy.”
According to Mackie, he wants to assure all of the voters in Jefferson County that if he is elected, his office door will be open to all, and he will be a full-time treasurer.
“No fire company or other entity need fear that for some nefarious reason I would deny a permit or license for their fundraisers nor would tax collectors need to worry that I would find ridiculous problems with their reports,” Mackie said.
“I humbly ask for the opportunity to serve with bold leadership and a comprehensive new strategy of working together to advance the interests of all citizens of Jefferson County.”
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