11/03/2023
Sadly, Bland County candidates were failed by the newspaper. I would like to share the questions and my responses.
1 Why are you seeking this position?
I am seeking the Bland County Commissioner of Revenue position because I believe that now is the time for a change. I know that our county has much potential right at its fingertips. It just needs new ideas to be presented to make our county more successful. There are ideas that I would present to the Bland County Board of Supervisors that could increase its revenue without anticipation of increasing the residents’ taxes. One area that I would like to see changed is the required qualifications of eligibility for senior citizens to be more inclusive so more individuals would benefit from the tax relief.
2 What are your qualifications?
I recently graduated from Bluefield University with my MBA and anticipate starting my doctorate in Business at Liberty University next year. Throughout my educational experiences, I have focused my studies on the economic development of SWVA. I have had the opportunity to live in various locations where I have learned firsthand how taxes are done differently. I have spent many hours researching various circumstances in other Virginia counties to see how Bland County can benefit and grow by following basic guidelines that have been set forth. I have also taken courses in real estate at New River Community College and the Moseley-Dickenson Academy in Roanoke, Virginia. Currently, I am currently self-employed as a property manager.
3 How does this office serve the community?
The Commissioner of Revenue is in control of ensuring the assessments, audits, and taxation of personal and property taxes for individuals and businesses. The position also administers a host of additional taxes including, but not limited to, hotel taxes, meals taxes, short-term rental taxes (such as Air BnBs), etc. The office also assists residents in filing their income taxes yearly and provides notary services. There are many other responsibilities of the office that follow the laws and State Code of Virginia.
4 background: spouse, children, home community, community/civic organizations to which you belong
My husband Chris, and I have been married for 29 years. We have raised three daughters who all graduated from Bland County High School. We reside in Rocky Gap, just a few miles from where I grew up. I am highly focused on Bland County and its residents. I am the co-founder of the Bland County Helping Hands, founder of the Bland County Community Watch, President of the Bland County Many Beards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, founding member of the Bland County Lions Club, and a committee member of the Bland County Fair Association. I thoroughly enjoy being active in the county and assisting the citizens in whatever way possible.
