LAURA BATES
BIOGRAPHICAL
Spouse and children: Husband, James Bates, and four wonderful sons, Trevor, Brennon, Bailey and Jacob
Age: 40
Years a Miller County Resident: 35
Political party: Republican
Highlight your top three degrees and/or educational achievements:
- 1996 Arkansas High School graduate
- Attended Texarkana College
- Certified pharmacy technician
- Numerous hours of continuing education with the Association of Arkansas Collectors
List your current job and employer and your top three occupational achievements:
I am a deputy collector in the Miller County Tax Collector's Office. During my time here, I have been involved with every aspect of the office-opening and closing the tax books, balancing debits and credits, balancing the bank account, applying exemptions to accounts and working with improvement districts.
Highlight the top three examples of your civic or community service:
I was a volunteer T-ball coach with Texarkana, Ark., Baseball Association when my children were younger. Since then, I have supported my community by attending various functions, events and fundraisers. I am a member of the Association of Arkansas Collectors.
Highlight the top three examples of your political experience:
This is my first time to step into the political arena. I am not a politician, nor do I have the desire to be. My primary goal is to become collector, and I feel confident I have the experience needed to become Miller County's next successful tax collector.
POLITICAL
Why did you run for office?
As a deputy collector, it was a natural decision for me to run when the position came open. I have dedicated myself to this office, and I have the skills and experience needed to make a seamless transition into the role of tax collector.
What are your top three goals, if elected?
I want to get collections up to 95 percent. I'd like to dedicate more time and research into tax-forfeited minerals, so I can educate land owners on how to purchase them back. I will continually seek ways to keep our office technology up to date.
What are the three greatest issues facing the county?
Economic development, infrastructure and funding.
What do you propose to address these?
I'd like to work with city and county officials to help attract businesses and build job growth and development in Miller County. We need to work on the infrastructure of our roads and facilities, as well as information technology in our county offices. I will seek out funding and grants available for the county to ease the burden on taxpayers.
THE ISSUES
Are there any changes you would like to see in the way the collector's office is operated? Any programs you would like to see added or taken away?
The collector's office uses the most up-to-date software, hardware and online resources. We are one of the most advanced offices in the state when it comes to technology.
What are the key services the office should offer and how do you propose going about that?
I want to continue to provide the citizens of Miller County with professional, courteous, accurate and up-to-date information. We have several online resources available to the public, and I'd like to continue to educate them on the basics of their tax statements and how to access online information.
How will you run the office when it comes to fiscal responsibility and accountability?
I will run a transparent office. The taxes collected in the collector's office belong to the residents of Miller County. You have the right to know how much is collected and where it's being spent. I want to make this available to view online. Every dime spent will be accounted for and a necessity for the county.
TOMMY CRANK
BIOGRAPHICAL
Spouse and children: Wife, Jamie Crank; daughters, Stacie Singleton, Brianna Crank, Jessa Johnson; son, Adam Self
Age: 50
Years a Miller County Resident: 50
Political party: Republican
Highlight your top three degrees and/or educational achievements:
I am a graduate of Fouke High School. I am a graduate of Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. I am licensed in air conditioning and refrigeration and a successful business owner, of Crank's HVAC.
List your current job and employer and your top three occupational achievements: I am employed by VSE as a mechanic.
- I was employed by Fouke School District for two years, maintaining the HVAC systems.
- I was employed at ALCOA for 18 years, as a line supervisor/operator.
Highlight the top three examples of your civic or community service:
- I am serving and have served on the Fouke City Council as alderman for about 20 years.
- I served as a Miller County firefighter for 12 years.
- I served as constable for Miller County District 10 for eight years.
Highlight the top three examples of your political experience:
I have served on Fouke City Council for about 20 years. I was elected and served as Miller County constable of District 10 for eight years. I was elected and served on the Miller County Fire Board for six years.
POLITICAL
Why did you run for office?
As my record shows, I love serving the people of Miller County. I am now financially able to serve my community on a full-time basis.
What are your top three goals, if elected?
I want to make the office service-friendly. I want you to be able to get in and out as quickly as possible. I want to set up a notification system for delinquent taxes. I will have an open-door policy. My personal cellphone number, 903-276-4404, is already available. I will open, close and be present in the office daily.
What are the three greatest issues facing the county?
There aren't three major issues facing our county. I have found, in my experience, that there is always one issue. One action causes a reaction. The effects of every action and reaction, whether it be positive or negative, will be assessed and addressed accordingly.
What do you propose to address these?
It will take everyone working together to straighten out the problems that we have in society. I will strive to convince everyone in the community to come together and set a common goal that will benefit everyone equally. I will encourage the community to work with me to achieve our goal. I will be available at all times.
THE ISSUES
Are there any changes you would like to see in the way the collector's office is operated? Any programs you would like to see added or taken away?
I am a taxpayer just like you. I know how it feels to go into the office. Most people are upset and feel as though they are giving away their hard-earned money. Once in office, I will do everything I can to help you spend the least amount of time in the office as possible-unless you want to stay and visit.
What are the key services the office should offer and how do you propose going about that?
During her term in office, Mrs. (Cathy Hardin) Harrison has done a wonderful job making it easier for us to pay our taxes. I am at a slight disadvantage, having not worked in the office, but with all of my years of management and supervisory experience, I am sure that I will have many new ideas to make the office even more efficient.
How will you run the office when it comes to fiscal responsibility and accountability?
As tax collector, I will be solely responsible for running the office abiding by all existing tax laws. I will be a by-the-book collector, but you will find that I have a big heart. I expect every taxpayer to hold me accountable for every dollar coming into the office. I will learn every duty in the office.