Judge executive candidate makes public his financial interests statement

PETER TRZOP

Statement of Financial Interests (click to open in new window)

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Monday, March 15, 2010, 11 p.m. -- Peter Trzop, the Republican candidate in the race for Nelson County judge executive, has publicly released the Statement of Financial Interests he has filed with the county's Joint Ethics Board.

Candidates for office are required to file the financial statements by Dec. 31 of the year they file for office or are elected to office. The ethics board does not require candidates to do as Trzop has done -- which is to release the statement to the media prior to the May primary election.

In a press release, Trzop said he released his financial statement in response to requests he received from voters across the county. He said he is wiling to additionally disclose to local media his credit report as well as sign a release for their review of his police records.

Calling honest and open government a hallmark of his campaign, Trzop stated his belief that candidates should be open in disclosing their financial interests to voters. "Having been an officer and enlisted person for so many years, I believe in full disclosure of my credit history, financial statement and police background check," he said. "This is important for establishing trust with the people of Nelson County.  This should be the expected standard for all public officials in our community."

When working for the United States Armed Forces in both the Army and Air Force, Trzop received multiple security clearances, including Secret and Top Secret clearances. 

"I am confident my credit history, police record, and financial disclosure will speak volumes," he said. "I am not owned by any interest, cleared by our government for the highest secret clearances, and has a proven record of being a honest public servant."

RACE FOR COUNTY'S TOP OFFICE STILL SHAPING UP. In November, Trzop will face the winner of the Democratic primary for judge executive: Incumbent Dean Watts will square-off against challenger Rob Hamilton in the primary. While he has not filed officially for the office, business owner and current magistrate Tim Hutchins has announced his intent to run as an Independent candidate for judge executive. Hutchins must file his intent to run for the office with the Nelson County Clerk by 4:30 p.m. April 1.