CANDIDATE PROFILES
EDITOR’ S NOTE: This is the eighth installment of candidate profiles in area primary races. Early voting begins May 7, and Primary Election Day is May 22. Any necessary primary runoff elections will take place June 19. The Gazette requested that candidates not exceed a character limit on each question in coverage and article length. Aside from minor changes and editing, the candidate responses are being printed as submitted. In this installment, the Miller County tax collector Republican primary race is highlighted between Laura Bates and Tommy Crank. Tax Collector Cathy Hard in Harrison is running has filed for the collector position.
Miller County Tax Collector
Biographical
Spouse and children: Husband, James Bates, and four wonderful sons, Trevor, Brennon, Bailey and Jacob
Age: 40
Years a Miller County resident: 35 Political party: Republican
Highlight your top three degrees and/ or educational achievements:
■ 1996 Arkansas High School graduate
■ Attended Texarkana College
■ Certified pharmacy technician
■ Numerous hours of continuing education with the Association of Arkansas Collectors
List your current job and employer and your top three occupational achievements:
I am a deputy collector in the Miller County Tax Collector’s Office. During my time here, I have been involved with every aspect of the office—opening and closing the tax books, balancing debits and credits, balancing the bank account, applying exemptions to accounts and working with improvement districts.
Highlight the top three examples of your civic or community service:
I was a volunteer T-ball coach with Texarkana, Ark., Baseball Association when my children were younger. Since then, I have supported my community by attending various functions, events and fundraisers. I am a member of the Association of Arkansas Collectors.
Highlight the top three examples of your political experience:
This is my first time to step into the political arena. I am not a politician, nor do I have the desire to be. My primary goal is to become collector, and I feel confident I have the experience needed to become Miller County’s next successful tax collector.
Political
Why did you run for office?
As a deputy collector, it was a natural decision for me to run when the position came open. I have dedicated myself to this office, and I have the skills and experience needed to make a seamless transition into the role of tax collector.
What are your top three goals, if elected?
I want to get collections up to 95 percent. I’d like to dedicate more time and research into tax-forfeited minerals, so I can educate land owners on how to purchase them back. I will continually seek ways to keep our office technology up to date.
What are the three greatest issues facing the county?
Economic development, infrastructure and funding.
What do you propose to address these?
I’d like to work with city and county officials to help attract businesses and build job growth and development in Miller County. We need to work on the infrastructure of our roads and facilities, as well as information technology in our county offices. I will seek out funding and grants available for the county to ease the burden on taxpayers.
The Issues
Are there any changes you would like to see in the way the collector’s office is operated? Any programs you would like to see added or taken away?
The collector’s office uses the most up-to-date software, hardware and online resources. We are one of the most advanced offices in the state when it comes to technology.
What are the key services the office should offer and how do you propose going about that?
I want to continue to provide the citizens of Miller County with professional, courteous, accurate and up-to-date information. We have several online resources available to the public, and I’d like to continue to educate them on the basics of their tax statements and how to access online information.
How will you run the office when it comes to fiscal responsibility and accountability?
I will run a transparent office. The taxes collected in the collector’s office belong to the residents of Miller County. You have the right to know how much is collected and where it’s being spent. I want to make this available to view online. Every dime spent will be accounted for and a necessity for the county.