Facing the Primaries: Tax Collector candidate responses to our questions

The Aug. 8 primaries are quickly approaching. At that time, voters will make their voices heard and select the candidate they want to represent them. In light of the upcoming election cycle, Vicksburg Daily News has reached out to the candidates on the Warren County ballot and posed a series of questions on behalf of our readers.

We reached out to each of the candidates running for Warren County Tax Collector, Amanda Battle and Pamela Durman.

Questions were asked

• What specific qualifications and professional experience do you possess that make you the best candidate for the role of Tax Collector in Warren County?
• If elected as Tax Collector, how do you plan to improve taxpayer services in Warren County?
• Can you outline your vision for ensuring fiscal responsibility as the Tax Collector?

Answers were given – Battle

Introduction

My name is Amanda Haggard Battle and I am a life-long resident of Warren County. I am a graduate of Warren Central High School, as well as Belhaven University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Business and Leadership. I am a member of Calvary Baptist Church where I serve in the Youth Department. I am also a member of the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Warren County Federation of Democratic Women, and the Vicksburg Branch of NAACP.

My ultimate vision/goal for the tax collector’s office is to improve the level of customer service, ensure shorter wait time and to be ready to serve the citizens on day one without any lapse in service. I am running for this office because I truly enjoy serving the citizens of Warren County; furthermore, I have the knowledge, experience, and skills required to carry out the duties of the Warren County Tax Collector.

Specific Qualifications

The specific qualifications and professional experiences that I possess that make me the best candidate for the position of tax collector are as follows: I have served as a Warren County deputy tax clerk, office supervisor, bookkeeper and at present Administrative Assistant to the Tax Collector. I serve as a representative between Warren County and the Mississippi Department of Revenue. I also supervise and balance the annual tax sale. I am a Certified Mississippi Collector of Revenue designated by the State Auditor’s office and the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Lastly, I have 25 dedicated years of service in the Warren County Tax Collector’s Office.

Plan to Improve Taxpayer Services

There is always room for improvement so some changes will be inevitable to ensure that the office operates in the most effective and efficient manner possible to serve the residents of Warren County. There are already plans in the works to improve taxpayer services. One being to offer curbside services for any taxpayer that is physically unable to navigate the courthouse stairs. I will be open to suggestions, concerns, and feedback from residents to ensure they have a pleasant experience.

Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

The vision will always be the same; and that is to collect “ALL” taxes according to the law, maintain accurate bookkeeping records and disburse the funds to local and state agencies each month. Accountability and transparency will also be at the top of the list by developing a more comprehensive check and balance system.

At the time of this posting, Durman has yet to respond to our inquiries.