Stowsentry.com - Conte challenging fiscal officer incumbent Donofrio on Nov. 4

by Dorothy Markulis

Reporter

Republican William "Bill" Conte is challenging incumbent Democrat John A. Donofrio for Summit County Fiscal Officer Nov. 4.

Conte said he is a licensed certified public accountant and "the better qualified candidate" with a 30-year financial background. He points out that Donofrio does not have a college degree.

Donofrio, however, discounts his opponent's claim that a college degree or being a CPA should be a requirement for fiscal officer.

"I'm running on my 30 years of experience as an administrator," Donofrio said. "Because my opponent is a CPA does not make him an administrator.

"My job as administrator is hiring the necessary staff to get the job done. I have three CPAs on staff."

The fiscal officer oversees billling for taxes, assesses real property for tax purposes and files and records legal documents. The annual salary is $109,420. The term is four years.

Conte is making his second bid at political office. Last year, he ran for Norton City Council, but was defeated. Divorced, he has three adult children and two grandchildren. He is president of Conte Financial Services Ltd. in Norton and a life-long Summit County resident.

Conte is a graduate of Akron Kenmore High School and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Akron in accounting. He is a registered investment adviser.

Donofrio, 60, served as county treasurer for 23 years before County Council charter changes created the fiscal officer position in 2002. Council eliminated the offices of auditor, recorder and treasurer and transferred those duties to the newly created post. Donofrio has served as fiscal officer since that time, elected for an additional four-year term in 2004.

Donofrio is a life-long Summit County resident. He and his wife, Marijean, have five grown children. He is a graduate of Ellet High School and has completed continuing education programs with the County Treasurers Association. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 3 1/2 years.

Conte said he wants to serve "as a watchdog" for residents when it comes to government spending.

According to Conte, if he is elected he will lower real estate taxes through "realistic" property revaluation.

"My research indicates the real estate values in Summit County are greatly overstated," he said. "I would immediately perform another evaluation."

Donofrio said his opponent is looking for an issue that doesn't exist.

"He clearly doesn't comprehend the appraisal process, including the budgetary impact of reappraising nearly 270,000 parcels in this county," Donofrio said.

Donofrio points to state and national awards for excellence during his tenure with the county, developing programs to benefit residents.

According to Donofrio, his office was the first in the state to offer monthly budgeting for current taxes and the first to provide monthly payments for delinquent taxes.

"What I've tried to do is develop programs to assist the taxpayer. I'd like to continue my efforts for the next four years," Donofrio said.

"There are a host of programs we're working on," Donofrio said.

E-mail: dmarkulis@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3143