Issue Position: Commissioners Fee

Issue Position

Imagine campaigning for office, being elected, taking the oath of office and finding that the salary you're paid is not all the money that goes into your pocket. Dennis Milligan found just that shortly after taking office as the Saline County Circuit Clerk in January 2011.
Dennis discovered that because of a quirk in state law, Circuit Clerks - acting as commissioners of foreclosure sales - were able to personally pocket the fees from these sales. He was shocked to find out that a portion of the sale proceeds was paid directly to the commissioner of the sale - even though it happened as a result of serving as Circuit Clerk and being named the commissioner. He knew right away that even though it was legal, it was wrong.

"To me, it's just a matter of principle. About $30,000 in commission fees is normally paid annually to the Saline County Circuit Clerk, and it should go the county, not to me or whoever follows me a clerk. The people of my county pay me a salary - and I shouldn't benefit from somebody's misfortune in a foreclosure. Again, it might have been legal - but it wasn't right - and now it's not legal either.

I am committed to doing what's right - in my marriage, my family, my business and my role as an elected official. We are all painfully aware of the misconduct - in fact, now criminal activity - being conducted in the office of the State Treasurer. I will manage/operate this important office with the highest integrity and restore the trust that has been broken. In fact, I have already pledged that no one on my staff will be allowed to accept any gift from anyone who conducts business with the office. You will be able to trust me as your next State Treasurer."

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