Oct 31, 2004 By Josh Krysak 4 min read

In a race that most voters won’t even think about before going to the polls Nov. 2, Democrat State Auditor General Robert P. Casey Jr. is vying for the treasurer’s spot against Republican newcomer Jean Craige Pepper. And while there might be little surface interest in the race for the control of the state’s purse strings, Pepper is working to change that mentality and to raise the public’s awareness about the charge of the office.

Casey was born in Scranton and is the eldest son of the late Gov. Robert P. Casey. He graduated from The College of Holy Cross and earned his law degree in 1988 from The Catholic University of America and practiced law from 1991 until assuming the auditor general post in 1997.

Casey and his wife, Terese, live in Scranton, where they raise their four daughters.

And while the treasurer’s office does not get an opportunity to weigh in on many of the issues facing the nation, including the war in Iraq and terrorism, the treasurer does have some influence as to the programs that receive funding and is solely responsible for a $100 billion account each year.

Pepper, who lives in Erie, has a substantial financial background, having worked as a financial adviser for 26 years and eventually working her way to vice president of the Merrill Lynch Erie office.

Pepper has been active in local government for more than a decade, working first with Erie art and historical organizations and then moved on to serve on the Northwestern Federal Judicial Review Board, the Military Academies Interview Board of Northwest Pennsylvania and the Preservation Pennsylvania board.

During an interview with the Herald-Standard in early October, Pepper outlined her platform for the office and talked about why the position should be taken more seriously by the voters across the state.

Pepper said that while the office lacks legislative power, the custody of $100 billion of the state’s taxpayer’s money and the oversight of the state’s two major retiree boards is a hefty burden that she feels is often misunderstood.

Pepper said she could use her personal financial background to conservatively invest the money trusted to her to bring back financial gain for the constituents across the state.

“I am going to protect, preserve and grow the people’s money,” Pepper said.

She said the current treasury department does not have a balanced portfolio that can bring in additional funds for the state.

Pepper said she will work with rural hospitals to try and ensure health care for poor residents and will also focus on trying to help small businesses across the state in whatever manner she can.

Pepper said the position would be the pinnacle of her career and noted that the post would be a sizable pay cut from her former position. It would be worth it, though, she added.

“I feel I can give back to the community and help the state grow,” Pepper said.

While the Herald-Standard was unable to interview Casey prior to the election, his office released some of his plans, should he be re-elected.

Casey, who said he will bring his experience as an independent watchdog as auditor general to the office, said he is committed to “aggressively protecting taxpayers hard-earned money before it is spent.”

He hopes to expand access to quality health care in communities lacking medical facilities and will work to invest state funds in areas that can spur economic growth.

Casey said he will continue to protect public pension fund assets and will work with families and seniors across the state to provide for their financial needs. He said he plans to provide taxpayers with information to protect them against fraud and is going to work diligently to strengthen the Tuition Account Program in the state.