Candidates Peterson, Sewell campaign for tax-collector job
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008
Editor's note: This story is part of a series of stories on contested races The Daily Record will run leading up to the May 20 election.
BENTON COUNTY - With the explosion of growth Benton County has experienced in recent years, the Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting and distributing more money than ever before. And the two candidates for the office's top spot - Gloria Spring Peterson and Tracy Sewell - believe they offer very different strengths and approaches to running the department effectively in the years ahead. Gloria Spring Peterson Peterson believes her experience sets her apart. She spent nine years, beginning in 1975, working in the Benton County Assessor's Office and was elected treasurer in January 1985, a position she held for 18 years. In July 2003, Peterson retired, but within three months the county was without a tax collector, and she was appointed to the position for a period of 14 months.
Peterson stayed on with the Tax Collector's Office following the election of current tax collector Greg Hoggatt, but he's not seeking re-election. That opened the door for new leadership, and Peterson believes she is the obvious choice.
"We're public servants, and I know how this office runs," Peterson said. "It's about the taxpayers and the taxpayers' money. I believe in providing courteous, efficient service. "
Peterson said one of the first things she will do if elected is restructure the office to include a chief financial officer to work closely with the tax collector. She said she would do this without any additional expense to the county. Tracy Sewell Having worked in the Benton County Tax Collector's Office since 2001, Sewell has brought eight years of experience with her in accounting, most notably as the accountant for the Woodstock School District in the northern Chicago metro area.
While Peterson has more years of experience in this county's tax office, Sewell said she has been working in accounting her entire career, which is why she believes she has become a versatile asset to Benton County.
Sewell said the Tax Collector's Office does not need to restructure for the purpose of making room for a chief financial officer to work side by side with her. Instead, she believes the tax collector needs to be the accountant.
"That is the most important part of what this office does, so the tax collector should have a better handle on that than anyone else," Sewell said. "This county needs someone who's willing to embrace technology and do the job right. I think I'm the right person for the job."
Sewell was working toward her accounting degree in Woodstock but put those plans on hold when she joined the Benton County Tax Collector's Office. She is currently enrolled to complete her degree at the University of Arkansas.
Coming Sunday: County coroner.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online