KIAMESHA LAKE — The Sullivan County Democratic Committee has unanimously endorsed Kathleen Lara for the position of Sullivan County Treasurer. 

“Her experience as deputy treasurer over the last ten years has eminently qualified her for the position of treasurer,” said County Democratic Chairwoman Anne Hart in a press release on Monday, February 24. Her endorsement comes after the recent retirement announcement of acting County Treasurer Nancy Buck, who will leave the office in December 2025.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside Nancy Buck, who has been an incredible boss and mentor for over ten years,” Lara said, noting her eagerness to continue strong fiscal policies that will benefit Sullivan County. She said that she looks forward to applying all that she learned as Deputy County Treasurer to the role of county treasurer if elected.

“When I started this job ten years ago, Nancy [Buck] made sure that I learned it from the bottom up; I answered phones, learned the intricacies of taxes, and took out the garbage – no job too small.” 

She said she now has a comprehensive understanding of the operations of the county treasurer’s office and is ready to take the reins.

During her tenure as Deputy County Treasurer, Lara has seen technology alter the way her office works.

“A major change that happened in 2024 was the implementation of new tax software that we are still learning. Because taxes run on an annual cycle it takes 12 months to fully realize how the software works, and there were some growing pains in the beginning,” she said.

Lara also noted that the ubiquity of computers have increased the threat of fraud, but have enabled the automation of credit card payments so property owners can now pay property taxes online.

If elected, one of Lara’s priorities will be to help Sullivan County residents understand the tax laws that affect them. Lara will bring a common sense approach to fiscal responsibility, an attitude she may have adopted from her mother, who was a banker. Lara is proud of her ability to “think outside the box” and come up with solutions that no one else in the room has considered. 

“I’m really excited for this!” Lara said as she continues to prepare for the election.