VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am running for Commissioner as I believe that Radford needs public servants in every office whom will dedicate all of their efforts into making our city the best that it can be. To serve the public and help citizens is a great honor. We must look to the future and what is best for the Commissioner’s office. Each office must be held accountable for performing its duties with diligence while still working to always do better and be better. Research, innovation, hard work, advocacy, transparency and keeping citizens informed are all essential for the success of the Commissioner’s office. I believe that we need to look beyond our own community and form relationships with other Commissioners to see what they are doing in their respective localities. I have spoken with the Commissioners in Roanoke City, Wise County and Staunton to learn what could be beneficial for Radford. I have also formed a close relationship with the Honorable Cathy Flinchum, who has served Radford for over 30 years.

Becoming Radford’s next Commissioner will be a challenge, but one that I am very enthusiastic to take on. I am confident that I will be very successful in this office. Working full-time while attending college and graduate school, I have always worked hard for myself, my family and my community. This year, I was recognized as one of the NRV’s ‘40 under 40’ for my dedication to public and community service. I currently teach at Radford University in the Student Success programs, volunteer for Community Works NRV and previously worked for the Radford City School system. I am a mother of three beautiful children. I have time management skills, a high level of organization, effective management skills from past employment and impeccable communication skills. When the need arose for the City’s Annual Easter Egg hunt, myself and a few other incredible individuals made it happen for our community. Seeing a need and taking action is what will make a difference for everyone in our community.

Retaining our highly trained and devoted staff is incredibly important. We must also address any unnecessary spending. Saving where we can is imperative right now with Radford’s financial situation. We are at a critical juncture in the City of Radford. Our current financial situation has created awareness of local government in a manner that we have not seen before. As a constitutional officer, one of the most important things that we can do is to ensure we are advocates for citizens while working directly with city council when it is needed. We have the opportunity for change and to start anew in many capacities. New ideas and a fresh mindset will serve Radford well. For example, splitting up tax payments into two different times of the year can help with cash flow management if we have citizens pay one part of their tax bill in one fiscal year and then have the other pay due in the next fiscal year. Being transparent, informative, dedicated and diligent is imperative to success!

I’m running for Commissioner of Revenue because Radford is my home, and I want to give back to the community that has shaped my life. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships across city offices and gained firsthand knowledge of how Radford’s government works together to serve its citizens. That understanding gives me the strength to see where communication can be improved, where services can be expanded, and where citizens can be better supported. My vision is to create an office that is transparent, approachable, and proactive in helping people—whether it’s making services easier to access, ensuring programs like tax relief are well advertised, or simply listening to concerns with respect and fairness. Radford deserves leadership that is committed to collaboration and to moving our city forward, and I’m running because I know I can provide that.

I bring honesty, integrity, and dedication to this office, along with 27 years of experience serving Radford, where I currently work in the Circuit Court. In this role, I manage deed transfers, plats, and land records while working daily with surveyors, developers, and the City Engineer’s Office. I work with the Commissioner’s Office and Treasurer’s Office to keep records accurate and connected. I am certified in accounting and also serve as the bookkeeper, which gives me strong financial and record-keeping expertise, and I have received perfect yearly audits for my work. Each day, I guide citizens through legal processes, assist attorneys, title companies, and residents with complex records, and ensure access to programs and resources. My work requires accuracy, compliance, and fairness—qualities I will carry into the Commissioner’s Office. I know the challenges we face as a city and where we need to grow, and I am ready to help lead Radford forward.

The most important issues for the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office are accessibility, transparency, and citizen support. Too often, programs and services—such as tax relief for seniors, veterans, and those with disabilities—go unnoticed simply because they are not widely advertised. I believe no one should miss out on assistance they qualify for. Another key issue is improving communication and collaboration across city offices. The Commissioner’s Office works closely with the Treasurer’s Office, Circuit Court, and City Engineer’s Office, and it’s essential that these departments share information effectively to better serve citizens. I also see a need to modernize services by making forms easier to access online and allowing for more direct digital submissions, while still being available in person for those who need that option. Finally, it’s important to strengthen public trust by ensuring the office is run with honesty, fairness, and accuracy. The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office m