Beard hopes to continue elevating the tax collector’s office

Name: Paula Beard

Age: 61

Party: Democrat

Why run: To continue to elevate the Union County tax collector’s office.

Salary of position: About $56,000

Current Union County tax collector Paula Beard says she will continue to elevate the tax collector’s office if re-elected.

The two-way race set for the Union County tax collector is between Beard and Karen Scott. With Beard and Scott both being part of the Democratic party, the position will be determined during the primary race, which is set for May 22.

Beard, who was elected Union County tax collector in 2016 and started her two-year term in 2017, is a graduate of Crossett High School. She furthered her education at South Arkansas University Tech in Camden and studied computer science, psychology, accounting, political science and business law.

Beard has worked over 24 years in the Union County Judge’s office under three County Judges. She was the Election Commissioner Chairman for eight years and is currently serving her first term as the Union County tax collector. She also worked for Congressman Beryl Anthony Jr. and was on the Anthony Campaign Committee.

Beard said that despite the mountain of changes that needed to be made and the challenging road bringing Union County into the 21st century, she chose to run so she could make a necessary difference.

“I will continue to help and assist the taxpayers of Union County, providing a level of service that has proven to be effective and necessary,” Beard said. “I continually challenge myself and my staff to learn, adapt and to take pride in the services we provide. I have been blessed and it is truly an honor to serve the taxpayers of Union County.”

Beard’s hobbies include horses, barrel racing, rodeos, anything pertaining to animals and playing tennis. She also enjoys anything pertaining to her family including spending time with her grandchildren, watching her grandson’s ball games and her granddaughter cheer.