Metro East Sun

Phil Kammann wants to bring business-world efficiency to government operations.

“I want the Metro East to be a better place,” Kammann, who recently launched his campaign for St. Clair County treasurer, told the Metro East Sun. “I like things to be done as best they can and in the least expensive way they can be. That’s one of the things government is missing: more accountability and efficiency.”

With years of accounting management and comptroller experience, Kammann is running to replace the retiring Charles Suarez, who was named as a defendant in a recent suit the Belleville News-Democrat reported alleges that he conspired to rig property tax auctions.

Phil Kammann

Kammann, who has spent most of his life in Belleville, said he now feels a responsibility to help restore the county’s reputation and get things back on solid footing.

“I’ve had experiences with local government where things didn’t run as smoothly as I would have liked,” he said. “I have a lot of good ideas on ways to get things done that I think will translate over well to government.”

The St. Clair County treasurer’s office is primarily responsible for overseeing the collection and distribution of more than $350 million to 250 taxing districts.

While he’s never held public office before, Kammann said he’s convinced he’s more than up to the challenge of the job.

“I’m good at communicating with people and am always looking at taking the least amount of steps to get the most done,” he said.

Kammann said his message has been well received and voters have found him to be easily approachable.

“I’m the type of person that prides himself on doing what I say I will do, and I think voters are starting to pick up on that,” he said. 

Kammann lives in Belleville with his wife, whom he proposed to on the school grounds where the two first met while in kindergarten. They have two young daughters.

"All my best memories are here in Belleville, and I’m committed to seeing the community be the best it can be,” he said.