1. What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed for this position?
I have been successful thus far as Collector of Revenue due to my ability to work well within the system. Our office works in conjunction with the Assessor, License Collector, Streets, and Water Departments; being able to communicate and work with the various groups greatly improves the ability of my office to go out and collect what is rightfully owed to the City of St. Louis.
2. What education (schools attended, degrees attained), experience, and attributes do you have that qualify you for this position?
I am a graduate of IHM, Augustinian Academy and Benedictine College. I have more than thirty years of experience working in City government in addition to the numerous small businesses I have owned.
3. What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing this office and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific)
Slower economic times pose a greater risk to our office as it cuts the number of jobs, people buying new cars, building homes, etc. While it may not make me the most popular person in the neighborhood, my job remains to collect taxes in an effective and efficient manner. We are aware of the difficult positions some people are in and offer them the best customer service we know how. When we are collecting taxes, we strive to do it in a courteous and fair manner.
4. Describe how you work with, or will work with, others to address your priorities.
My 30+ years of working at City Hall has afforded me the opportunity to develop many personal and business relationships both within and within City Hall. Cooperation and communication is key when trying to change the status quo.
5. What services could this office offer citizens that it does not now offer?
My office is constantly in contact with the public in an effort to make business with our office as convenient as possible. We recently initiated a program allowing for citizens to make deposits towards annual personal property and real-estate taxes instead of having to come up with a single, larger payment in December each year.
6. How can this office improve the economic strength of the city?
My office is the economic backbone of the City, which is why we work so hard to track down any and all money owed. We continually look for ways to stay ahead of delinquent accounts, such as: liens, judgments, property sales, garnishments, etc. We work with and for the taxing agencies and various departments to keep their operations viable.
7. Are there functions of this office that are now obsolete and can be eliminated or combined for efficiency?
My office is always looking to optimize efficiency. At this time we have even expanded some of our tasks to aid other offer offices such as the annual mailing of property tax declarations and business licenses for the Assessor and License Collector. We have significantly eliminated our overhead through office restructuring and negotiations with our suppliers and vendors.
8. How are you working to make this office a 21st Century office?
During my first 2 terms as Collector of Revenue, we have made a concerted effort to update the technology used in the office and also to update the technology that we offer to taxpayers. In my mind, however, making this a 21st century office doesn’t only mean technology. It also means fostering an environment of diversity and cooperation, which I am most pleased to say that we have done very well.
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