DEL NORTE—Deputy Treasurer Cherilyn Rue has announced her candidacy for treasurer for the coming 2018 election.
Rue has been with the county off and on for 35 years and has spent the last 24 years learning the ins and outs of the treasurer’s office. “If I didn’t run for office, then I would be the one to train whoever did, so I figured I should just run. It is so important, now more than ever, for the taxpayers in Rio Grande County to have continuity and trust in this office. I want it to remain the same in the office, and I am the one who can provide that,” stated Rue.
Rue grew up in South Fork and graduated high school from Del Norte before spreading her wings and landing a job at the FBI in Washington, D.C. There, Rue spent her days learning about the culture outside of a small-town atmosphere and processing fingerprints for the FBI. “It was a culture shock for me, coming from such a small place, but the experience taught me so much,” said Rue. After leaving the job at the FBI, Rue returned to her roots and began working for local companies within the Valley and eventually applied for the deputy treasurer position
Throughout her 35 years with the treasurer’s office, Rue has worked with three different treasurers and when she heard news that current Treasurer Peggy Kern was going to retire, she made the decision to run for the open seat. “I have been here so long and with all of the changes that are happening in the county with the new board of county commissioners, having a familiar face will be very important for the taxpayers in the county. A lot of money moves through this office and having an honest staff is paramount. The office runs so well with Peggy at the helm, and I want to make sure that that continues,” said Rue.
Though Rue does not hold a degree, the 35 years of experience is behind her every step of the way. “You can have all the degrees and training you want and can still come to this position with no idea what to do or how it works. The state offers so many resources to us here at the treasurer’s office including other treasurers that can help answer any questions that come up. Experience is everything when it comes to this position. Not to mention, I am not afraid to ask— ever,” stated Rue.
“We need the knowledge and familiarity to stay here in this office and that is what I can offer the community of Rio Grande County. Continuity is the most important part of this. We can’t improve what is already running so smoothly and I want to make sure that that continues,” she said.