There were two filings for the four-year term of town treasurer for the Town of Hennessey.

They were: Shelley Burch, 51, the incumbent; and Kelley Vaverka, 59.

Voters will mark the box next to one of the names. ( Note: See Sample Ballot on Page 6.)

ABOUT THE CANDIDATES

Shelley Burch, 51, is the Town Hall office manager and the town’s code enforcement officer and court clerk. She has worked for the town for 12 years.

She is also the town treasurer and was the only candidate to file for that offi ce in 2021, which carries a four-year term that expires this year.

She was a paraprofessional at the Hennessey Public Schools, 2009-13; was a Head Start teacher at Family Life Daycare, 200409, and before that was a manager at Taco Mayo.

Her husband is Bryan Burch, sewer superintendent for the Town of Hennessey and a Hennessey Reserve Police captain. The Burches have three children: Bryann (Logan) Walls, Sierra Burch and Ryan (Mikaela) Burch, and five grandchildren: Cameron Walters; Madi, Kenzi and Holden Guffey, and Oliver Burch.

Burch graduated from Hennessey High School in 1992, received a certificate of master’s from Redlands Community College and has several certifications through the Town of Hennessey.

She is a member of the Hennessey Lions Club and has been an organizer for the Reserve Police’s Christmas Angel project for many years.

Kelley Vaverka, 59, is recently retired and was an assistant manager for Love’s Country Stores from October 2016 to July 2024.

She is currently Hennessey’s town clerk and was elected to that office in April 2023 for a fouryear term after being the only person to file for that position.

She is married to Matthew Gettings and he works in the wireline department for Thru Tubing Solutions.

Vaverka has two children: Christopher Thomas (Lorissa) and two grandsons Aidan and Lukas, and Lyndsay (Chris) Lyon.

She graduated from Hennessey High School in1984 and attended math and accounting classes at Rose State College in 2012.

Vaverka is currently a member of two monthly book clubs. “My previous job made it difficult to effectively contribute in any other clubs,” she said.

QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES

Tell voters why you are running for this office:

Shelley Burch: “I graduated from Hennessey in 1992, and have lived in Hennessey for most of my life. I am running for Town Treasurer because being active in Hennessey, and the future of Hennessey, is important to my family and myself. Hennessey is where my husband and I raised our three children: Bryann, Sierra and Ryan. Hennessey is now where four of my five grandkids are being raised. This town will continue to shape the lives for future generations in my family and in yours. Being involved in the community is my way of giving back, and doing my part to ensure growth, and a positive change in our community.”

Kelley Vaverka: “I have had the privilege of serving as the Town Clerk. I’m running for Town Treasurer because I have more than 30 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, and I have the dedication, and vision, to serve our community in this important job. In my time as Clerk, I have worked with town finances, overseen expenditures, and helped maintain transparency in financial records. I understand the importance of careful budgeting, responsible spending, and making sure our taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

Tell voters why we should vote for you:

Shelley Burch: “As a candidate for town treasurer I believe you should vote for me based on my commitment to this town and its citizens. I have over 12 years of experience working for the town and my leadership skills and innovative ideas will ensure that things get done for our community. While being a lifelong Hennessey citizen, I understand our needs for continuous changes to help our town grow and prosper. I have - and will always - be an advocate for Hennessey.”

Kelley Vaverka: “The Town Treasurer plays a crucial role in ensuring that our finances are well-managed, transparent and working in the best interest of our community. If elected, I will: Ensure that every dollar is accounted for and spent responsibly; advocate for clear and transparent financial reporting so that residents always know where their tax dollars are going; work closely with town officials to improve budget planning and help identify opportunities for financial growth and savings.”