My name is Bill Jenkins and I'm running for tax commissioner because I believe it's time for conservative leadership. We're facing some very difficult economic times in Forsyth County and across this great nation. There are many people living in our county today struggling financially to simply make ends meet. And during these times of rising property taxes and soaring gas prices we need conservative leadership now more than ever. We need County leaders who will work to reduce the cost of running our local government.

As your tax commissioner, I promise I will tighten department spending, reduce the operating budget and spend only the minimum amount necessary to efficiently operate the tax office without jeopardizing the service provided to our citizens. During several surveys, people leaving the tax offices were asked by county employees, “how was the service?” The most frequent answer given was, “the service was OK, but you have too many people sitting around doing nothing.” I will cross-train county employees to support many different job functions so we do not have to continuously add new employees each time work loads increase or job assignments change. I will pull all the county issued credit card and process the purchase of tax office supplies and equipment through the Forsyth County’s purchasing department to ensure that our taxpayers are paying the lowest possible cost.

The uncollected, delinquent taxes have reached an all time record high—over 7 million dollars, an increase of 31% in just the past three years. I will cross-train and re-assign existing tax office employees to positions totally dedicated to the aggressive but fair collection of these delinquent taxes.

As your tax commissioner I will not accept gifts from landowners or county vendors. I will not profit from delinquent tax sales by purchasing property in a business partner or relative’s name.

If elected, effective January 1, 2009 taxpayers funds will no longer be used to buy lunches for the tax commissioner or the tax office staff. I will strictly follow Forsyth County’s Civil Service Policy and never pay employees hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars for work not performed. Payment of compensation that is in direct violation of Forsyth County’s Civil Service Policies that is inconsistently applied throughout the county exposes the county to serious legal challenges.

I will work with county leaders and open more satellite branches in key areas for public convenience. I will provide citizens with the help they need to understand their tax bills and the tax exemptions they are entitled to. I will keep an open door policy so every citizen can speak with or meet with their tax commissioner. I will be accessible. I will serve the people of Forsyth County with honesty and integrity.