VOTE411 Voter Guide

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Candidate has not yet responded.

90% of the office deals with collecting delinquent real estate taxes that are owed to the counties by selling properties at public auction. It takes about four years for property to go to auction (two years at the county and two years at the Land Commissioner’s office). 80% of the taxes collected go the Public School Fund, and the rest is divided between roads, public safety, and other needs of the counties. There is also some oversight of mineral leases, especially on the riverbanks for sand and gravel. This means that process is important, to protect both the property owner and the buyer after the property goes to auction. Everyone needs to be treated fairly at every step.

I worked in the Land Commissioner’s office for a couple of years, and I know and understand the job. I understand the importance of the relationship between all 75 Arkansas counties and the Land Commissioner’s office. I worked in Governor Hutchinson’s office and I know the importance of listening to all constituents. More input means better informed decisions. I worked at the Arkansas Agriculture Department and I recognize how hard times are for our farmers. I was the Deputy Commissioner at the Arkansas Securities Department where I was in charge of the nuts and bolts of the agency, so I know how state agencies work. My leadership approach favors building consensus, and I enjoy empowering teams so they can play to their strengths.

My first priority is to make sure the office is serving the taxpayer with the very best of customer service. I think the office has been customer service oriented, and I want to continue that. The first change I want to make is to reduce the holding period of the funds collected on behalf of the counties. I've heard from counties that they would like to receive their funds sooner, and I want to do just that. I'm not aware of any particular reason why it can't be done as a simple policy change, but I'll start exploring how to do that on day one.