McCarty says 'knowledge and experience in city finances' sets him apart from rivals

Steven Spearie, State Journal-Register
·2 min read
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Bill McCarty
Bill McCarty

Bill McCarty said he had a State of Illinois position lined up when Jim Langfelder was first elected mayor of Springfield in 2015.

McCarty had served as the director of the city's Office of Budget and Management the previous four years under Mayor J. Michael Houston when Langfelder contacted him about staying.

"It was because we had done so much to turn the city budget around," McCarty said. "(Mayor Langfelder) wanted me to stay and continue to work him on improving even more and that's exactly what we've done."

More:Springfield budget director Bill McCarty enters 2023 race for city treasurer

That knowledge and experience, McCarty said, is what separates him from the other two candidates for city treasurer, Colleen Redpath Feger and Lisa Badger. It became an open race when treasurer Misty Buscher decided to challenge Langfelder, who is seeking a third term as mayor.

"If they want someone who really knows city finances, that can be an independent voice in overseeing and protecting their money, if they want someone who the mayor and city council members can come to for advice on budget matters, I'm the only candidate who has the knowledge and experience to do that," McCarty said.

Running for treasurer, he said, combines two passions: government finance and elected office.

McCarty served as mayor and village trustee of Williamsville and, after moving, ran for mayor of Springfield in 2011, which is when he met Houston. The former mayor and Ward 4 Ald. John Fulgenzi have endorsed McCarty.

McCarty just finished up his presidency of the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association.

"I have just always loved, since my days in Williamsville, being accountable directly to the voters," McCarty said. "Being able to do that and still being involved in city finance in Springfield is a great opportunity."

Bill McCarty

Age: 47

Occupation: Director, Springfield Office of Budget & Management

Family: Wife, Penny. Children: son, Declan (14) and daughter, Carter (12)

Political experience: Village of Williamsville, trustee (2002-05) mayor (2005-09). Ran for Springfield mayor (2011) and Sangamon County treasurer (2018)

Education: University of Illinois Springfield, master of public administration; University of Notre Dame, bachelor of business administration, finance and computer applications; Associate in Arts, Lincoln Land Community College

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield budget director McCarty is running for city treasurer