Editor’s note: Candidates for local offices have been invited to submit essays in support of their candidacies. These will be published in coming days and weeks.Following is the column submitted by Cheryl Chandler, Republican candidate for Garfield County treasurer.By Cheryl ChandlerChapter OneI am 54 years old and a 25-year resident of Colorado with a 21-year residency in Garfield County. I have been happily married to Norm Chandler for the past 20 years.I have a heavy computer background and this is a field that I am still very interested in. My accounting and organizational experience comes from many years in the business industry. After 10 years with Unocal I was responsible for the liquidation of the entire project, which included setting up the inventory and accounting process that would link into the corporate office in California. Because of my real estate license, I was able to facilitate the process, which involved the liquidation of various real estate holdings.In 1991 I was appointed to the Garfield Planning and Zoning Commission, and I serve in that capacity to date. I have also been very involved in the Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors, where I served as the president and as the governmental affairs director.Chapter TwoWhen the opportunity to run for the treasurer’s position presented itself to me, Norm and I spent many long hours in discussion, knowing that taking this position would close the door on my being a full-time real estate broker. We made the decision and I have not turned back nor have I regretted the decision.Chapter ThreeThese are the issues I would like to resolve and the goals that I would like to accomplish in my four years as treasurer.-Accountability of county funds. I will keep the banking accounts and general ledgers current.-Cost-effective county government. I plan to make a commitment for the treasurer’s office to team up and unite with the assessor, county clerk, administration and commissioners for improved efficiency and cooperation, leading to cost-effective county government. In this endeavor, the treasurer’s office would be operated as a business and work more as a part of the team in the operation of the county.-Long-term planning. The treasurer’s office would work in conjunction with the county budget officer to establish a secure and long-term financial plan for growth and capital investment.-Service to the citizens of Garfield County. My goal is to give the citizens of Garfield County the best of both worlds, whether that be a person at the front desk to mark your statement “paid,” or to pay your tax on-line. I would plan to provide a full-time person at the Henry Building in Rifle.-In step with the computer age. Computer technology is already in place, allowing citizens to look up property information on the county computer system. I intend to bring this computer system up to date to provide staff with more time to work on projects. It is the treasurer’s responsibility to provide and ensure the proper training for the staff and I intend to make sure this is accomplished. I will work to provide the most cost-effective computer services to integrate all departments within the county.