Customer service continued to be a topic between the candidates for tax commissioner at the second of two forums last week.

Incumbent tax commissioner Lisa Wright faced more questions about her office during the forum at the Effingham County Board of Education’s auditorium Thursday night.

“I’ve met people and without fail, they want to vent their frustrations,” challenger Linda McDaniel said. “They want a tax commissioner who will be available to the public. They want to see updated technology. …

“I know the staff is good people.”

Wright defended her term in office and her office.

“I have put together a first-rate team,” she said. “They are smart, courteous and hard working.”

Wright also said she has been responsive to citizens’ requests and moved the deadline to pay property taxes from Dec. 20 to Nov. 15 as a result of such suggestions.

Wright also said the authority to hear hardship cases on property tax payments lies with her.

“I listen to everything individuals have to say,” she said.

There are instances where the person asking for the hardship has been ill or has been taking care of someone who is ill, according to Wright.

“It doesn’t stop the tax liens from being filed. It doesn’t stop the fines and penalties from adding up,” she said.

McDaniel, who defeated Frank Arden in the July Republican primary to earn the nomination to run against Wright, said she wouldn’t be opposed to coming up with a panel to look at hardship cases and to ensure equal treatment of cases.
Wright said she answers questions about taxpayers’ concerns wherever she goes.

“I am and always have been a public servant,” she said.

McDaniel, who has worked for the Board of Education and the district attorney’s office and is now assistant director of the Chamber of Commerce, said she has no enmity for Wright. “I like my opponent,” she said. “I know her family.

“I am capable, hard-working and trustworthy. My years of public service have taught me that you put people first,” she said.

Wright, who has worked in the tax commissioner’s office for 21 years, said the collection rate since she has been in office has topped 95 percent every year and she has worked to make sure the pay for her employees is competitive with the salaries in other counties.

“I am an experienced and dedicated public servant,” she said.