Cindy Wright
Why are you seeking re-election?
I’m seeking re-election for the Commissioner of Revenue office so I can continue to work with and for the citizens of Bland County. I have been working in the office for 43 years and would be honored to be able to continue to serve for another four-year term.
I have actually been working in the Commissioner of Revenue office since I was 18 years old. G.C. Havens hired me in January of 1981 and I worked for him for three years. I then worked for Robert R. Davis for 20 years and then was elected in 2004.
What are your qualifications?
I received my Masters Designation in 2007. This is a program administered by the University of Virginia and the Career Development Program Committee under the sponsorship of the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia. The State Compensation Board sets the standards to be met by Commissioners and Deputies in Virginia in order to attain the Master’s designation. My staff and I take yearly training and must keep up with all changes in protocols and laws. My office was fully accredited in 2019, the first year it was implemented by the COR Association and has maintained each year since. I am a active member in the Commissioner of Revenue’s Association and have served on several different committees. I have held offices of Secretary, Vice President, and President for the Southwest District Commissioner of Revenue’s Association. I am also a member of the VAAO and VALECO.
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How does this office serve the community?
Commissioner of Revenue is the Chief Assessing Officer for the County and has two essential parts: finding everything that’s taxable in the locality and assessing what is found. The Constitution of Virginia, The Code of Virginia, and Local Ordinances outline all the specific duties of my office. Some of the taxes processed which generate revenue for Bland County include personal property tax, real estate tax, meals tax, lodging tax and many other taxes that fall within the guidelines of the state and local tax codes. My office keeps a continuous record of the revenue assessed, from which key projections are made to the County Administrator for preparation of the county’s annual budget. My staff and I are also public notaries and work with community members to witness signing of important documents. We also partner with IRS through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in which we prepare both federal and state tax returns for community members, free of charge.
Background
I graduated from Bland County High School in 1980 and married my husband of 41 years, Samuel Kim Wright, in 1982. I have two grown children and four grandchildren. I’m involved in the county’s Beautification Committee and attend Bland Methodist Church where I serve as the church treasurer. I was a member of the Bland County Ladies Auxiliary prior to its disbandment, served on the county’s Park and Recreation Committee for several years, and support the Bland County Athletics programs.
Dreama Hatcher
Why are you seeking this position?
I am seeking the Bland County Commissioner of Revenue position because I believe that now is the time for a change. I know that our county has much potential right at its fingertips. It just needs new ideas to be presented to make our county more successful. There are ideas that I would present to the Bland County Board of Supervisors that could increase its revenue without anticipation of increasing the residents’ taxes. One area that I would like to see changed is the required qualifications of eligibility for senior citizens to be more inclusive so more individuals would benefit from the tax relief.
What are your qualifications?
I recently graduated from Bluefield University with my MBA and anticipate starting my doctorate in Business at Liberty University next year. Throughout my educational experiences, I have focused my studies on the economic development of SWVA. I have had the opportunity to live in various locations where I have learned firsthand how taxes are done differently. I have spent many hours researching various circumstances in other Virginia counties to see how Bland County can benefit and grow by following basic guidelines that have been set forth. I have also taken courses in real estate at New River Community College and the Moseley-Dickenson Academy in Roanoke. I am currently self-employed as a property manager.
How does this office serve the community?
The Commissioner of Revenue is in control of ensuring the assessments, audits, and taxation of personal and property taxes for individuals and businesses. The position also administers a host of additional taxes including, but not limited to, hotel taxes, meals taxes, short-term rental taxes (such as Air BnBs), etc. The office also assists residents in filing their income taxes yearly and provides notary services. There are many other responsibilities of the office that follow the laws and State Code of Virginia.
Background
My husband Chris and I have been married for 29 years. We have raised three daughters who all graduated from Bland County High School. We reside in Rocky Gap. I am the co-founder of the Bland County Helping Hands, founder of the Bland County Community Watch, President of the Bland County Many Beards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, founding member of the Bland County Lions Club, a committee member of the Bland County Fair Association, and a member of the Bland County Republican Committee.