Laura Bates has announced her candidacy for Miller County tax collector.
"With the support of my family, friends and coworkers, I am excited to announce my candidacy," Bates said.
"As a lifelong resident of Miller County, I am passionate about my community and its economic development."
Bates, an employee of the Collector's Office, said she wants to create a county tax administration that operates on transparency.
"During my time in the collector's office, I have expanded my knowledge of the requirements to serve as an effective collector."
She intends to ramp up efforts to collect delinquent taxes on real estate, personal property and mineral rights.
"One of the first tasks I plan to take on is delinquent mineral rights. Laws have been implemented that allow landowners to purchase mineral rights that are being auctioned off by the Commissioner of State Lands. I want to work with landowners to help put tax-forfeited mineral rights back in your hands."
Bates has been married to James for 22 years. He is employed with XOTECH at Red River Army Depot. They have four sons-three attend college and the youngest graduates from Arkansas High in the spring.