Special to the Herald
Greetings, Effingham County residents!
My name is Tony Sapp, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Effingham County Tax Commissioner. As a lifelong resident of this wonderful community, I have deep roots here, having grown up in Effingham and graduated from Effingham County High. Moreover, I had the joy of meeting my wife, with whom I've shared 40 blissful years, during my time at ECHS. Together, we are proud parents of two incredible children: Will, a talented local musician, and Ava, a dedicated freshman at the University of Georgia pursuing her dream of becoming a pharmacist.
My decision to enter this race was prompted by a personal experience with the Tax Commissioner's office, which left me convinced of the need for comprehensive improvements in training and customer service protocols. If elected, my foremost priority will be to introduce innovative customer service initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges our residents currently face in reaching out to the Tax Commissioner's office.
I firmly believe that implementing new procedures and providing thorough training to the entire office staff are crucial steps towards modernizing our county office and bringing it up to par with the demands of the 21st century. By ensuring the accuracy of every bill from the outset, we can significantly reduce the time and inconvenience experienced by our residents when dealing with the office.
Additionally, I am committed to forging partnerships with community organizations, religious leaders, and local media outlets to raise awareness about the various tax-saving opportunities available to our residents. Many eligible individuals, such as the elderly and military veterans, may not be aware of the tax breaks they are entitled to; and it's our responsibility to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Furthermore, I plan to establish regular public meetings, both monthly and quarterly, to provide a platform for addressing any questions or concerns the community may have.
Given the rapid growth of our beloved county, it is imperative that we, as elected officials, remain proactive in seeking out new ideas and staying abreast of the latest training methods to preemptively address any potential issues. Looking ahead, I envision the need to establish a satellite office or kiosk in South Effingham to accommodate the increasing workload resulting from our county's growth.
With my extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar transportation companies and owning small businesses, I am confident in my ability to serve as the most qualified candidate for this role.
In conclusion, I urge you to carefully consider the experience and qualifications of all candidates and make an informed decision based on who possesses the expertise and vision to lead our county office to new heights of accuracy, customer service, and growth.
For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email at tonysapptaxcom2024@gmail.com or visit my Facebook page: Tony Sapp for Effingham Tax Commissioner 2024.
Thank you for your consideration and support. Together, let's elect Tony Sapp as Effingham County Tax Commissioner.
[Editor’s note: Candidates for political offices in the May 21 primary are welcome to send their initial introductory article – up to 500 words – with a clear color photo (head shot preferred) to the Effingham Herald. Send article and photo to baugsdorfer@effinghamherald.net. If you desire more coverage for your campaign, feel free to reach out to the Herald’s multimedia sales executives, Christy Sanders or Laurel Pate at 912-826-5012.]