VOTE411 Voter Guide

Serving as the Charleston County Treasurer and as a member of the SC House of Representatives, I wholeheartedly believe that now, more than ever, it is crucial that we support good local government and fight for needed reforms. Charleston deserves a professional and experienced County Treasurer who puts taxpayers first and politics last.

Over the past 7 years, I have worked to modernize the office and implement programs and services that save the taxpayers both time and money. Some of these improvements include:

The Advance Tax Installment Plan that gives taxpayers new flexibility and payment options. It received unanimous support from Charleston County Council and the SC General Assembly and has helped to keep people away from paying the penalties that are established in state law.

New and easier ways to pay property taxes, such as electronic checks, with no additional fees.

The motor vehicle decal issuance program, saving a trip to the DMV.

A comprehensive outreach program that ensures citizens are aware of the services and laws available to help them save their hard-earned money and avoid overpaying taxes.

Charleston County is a community that I love dearly. I grew up here. I am raising my family here. I, through my professional and philanthropic efforts, have proven that I am invested in the economic health and well-being of this county’s citizens and I would be honored to continue to use my voice to advocate for taxpayers.

My professional experience and education uniquely qualifies me to continue my service as Charleston County Treasurer.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Charleston County Treasurer (2017-Present) - elected as the first female Treasurer In Charleston County’s history

Executive Board Member, National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers (2022- present) - selected as their liaison to the Board of the National Association of Counties.

President, South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers, and Tax Collectors (2023-2024) - led the effort to change tax laws so that they better serve our taxpayers.

Member, SC House of Representatives, District 114 (2014-2016) - worked with Democrats and Republicans to balance our state’s budget, pass tough criminal domestic violence reform, give our teachers a pay raise, and bring thousands of manufacturing jobs to the Charleston area – all without raising taxes.

EDUCATION:

Master in Business Administration, Auburn University (2009)

Bachelor of Arts, Rhodes College (2002)

VOLUNTEER:

Member, Junior League of Charleston,

Executive Board Member, Gibbes Museum of Art’s Society 1858 (2020-Present)

I have worked hard to modernize the Charleston County Treasurer’s office by providing services and programs–while adhering to state law–that save taxpayers time and money. My job is not yet done, and I am excited to build upon the progress we’ve made in the past seven years–particularly as it relates to customer service.

Along with the County Assessor, County Auditor and Revenue Collections, my office is working on the implementation of an upgraded tax system and improved website. The implementation process will involve a significant amount of testing and training over the next year.

I will continue to push forward on changes to legislation, including an increase to the Homestead Exemption for citizens over the age of 65.

I am also committed to collaborating with state agencies to find new ways to make processes easier and as seamless as possible.

Personally I'm tired of every hard-working Resident of Charleston County being taken advantage of when it comes to paying taxes.

There's too many individuals, families, and single parent households that are working two or three jobs just to get by living paycheck to paycheck. We're facing extremely tough times with the continued rise with inflation and interest rates.

We the People can not continue to carry the burden of mismanagement and no accountability of Taxpayers Money.

Since the age of 7 years old, I understood the value of a Dollar as I worked daily in a local corner store sweeping and mopping the floors and stocking shelves. I have been working in the restaurant industry since the age of 13 making $3.00/hour. During my career in the restaurant industry, I've always had a positive impact to the bottom line to ensure the business was profitable.

Charleston County deserve a treasurer that's going to advocate for every taxpayer. There's plenty of ways to help taxpayers save money and I have the business acumen to come up with effective plans that will lead to positive results. We need to help our Seniors by increasing the Homestead Exemption from it's current $50,000 credit. We need to help individuals that are having a tough time paying their tax bills by reducing the penalties that continue to increase monthly. It doesn't make sense to penalize an individual with additional fees of 3%, then 7%, and lastly 5% in fees, which could lead to the individual losing their home. We have an opportunity to also look at giving a 2% credit to taxpayers that pay their Tax Bill prior to the due date. Taxpayers deserve complete transparence and accountability of where their tax dollars are being spent. Implementing Real- Time Data into the Counties Financial information will build trust with the citizens that their government is working in their best interest.

As a father to 7 kids, I understand all too well the importance of saving money where possible. It's Time for Change in Charleston County and I'm the Cent-sible Choice.

With a career that has span over 40 years in the restaurant industry, I have the financial experience in strategic planning, budgets, and profit & loss statements. I've worked my way up through the ranks from an hourly employee to general manager, and director of operations.

I've successfully opened over 14 new restaurants from groundbreaking to grand opening. I have a proven track record in handling millions of dollars from owners that have entrusted me to be responsible with their money when opening new restaurants for them.

I also have a proven track record in going into under performing restaurants and turning them around. By turning these restaurant around into profitable locations, it gave the owners the ability to avoid bankruptcy or even worse, having to close their restaurant.

As a confident quick thinker with high standards, I hold myself accountable by being consistent. I have the business acumen to surround myself with the Right Team to not only get the job done right, but the most cost-effective way.

As a leader, I'm able to interface with all levels of government and the public to ensure complete understanding of the challenges faced on a daily basis.

My priorities are to ensure that the taxpayers of Charleston County have a Treasurer that's going to be completely accountable and transparent to them.

I'm advocating to help Seniors with the Homestead Exemption. Currently individuals that are 65 years of age, or are either blind or disabled are eligible for a $50,000 exemption from their homes apprised value. I've reached out to SC Representatives that have joined in a Bipartisan Bill that would increase the exemption from $50,000 to 33% of the fair market value of the homestead.

Another priority is to reduce the tax penalties for individuals that are unable to pay their property taxes on time. Currently individuals that don't pay their taxes by the due date in January face a 3% penalty. If the total with the penalties are not paid by February, an additional 7% penalty is issued. If payments are not made by the first week in March, an additional 5% penalty is incurred. Payments not made by March 15th will result in tax execution to the delinquent tax department. As you can see the Tax Penalty Structure for delinquent taxes is making it harder for tax payers to find any relief before they receive a final delinquent notice and subsequently seizure of their property. My priority is to work with the county council to reduce the penalty to a flat 3% instead of the aggressive increases that are forcing taxpayers to lose their homes.

Additionally I would like to ensure that the taxpayers have access to real-time data that would improve their confidence and trust with government spending. By focusing on Financial Transparency we create systems and processes that establish accountability from all agencies that are involved with the yearly budget.