Brenda Wood, Candidate for Fredericksburg Treasurer

In preparation for the Nov. 5 general election, Fredericksburg Patch emailed three questions to the two candidates for City of Fredericksburg Treasurer.

Read Rita Girard's responses in this article:  Rita Girard, Candidate for Fredericksburg Treasurer.

Following are the complete, unedited responses from Brenda Wood.

1 - Why are you running for treasurer?

I saw this opportunity as a natural progression after serving Fredericksburg for 12 years in the Treasurer's Office and as Chief Deputy since 2009. Shortly after being hired it didn't take long for me to realize that I had found my niche and I believe it has been a good fit for the City as well.  The Treasurer is the" hub" for collection of revenue from every department in the City.  The interdepartmental network I have created over the years will provide continuity in this time of change.  The majority of my day is spent dealing with numbers.  But the best part of my day is working one on one with a taxpayer who is struggling to get a bill paid.  When I am able to work out a solution that is equitable for the taxpayer as well as the City I feel like I have accomplished what it is this office is intended to do......represent the citizen and provide the best customer service possible.  Why am I running for Treasurer?  I love my job.

2 - What specific qualifications would you bring to the position of treasurer?
I have 15 years total in delinquent collections.  I am versed in the taxation laws as enacted in the Code of Virginia to insure that proper and legal collection methods are adhered to.  I am a member of the Treasurer's Association Career Development program and have been certified by the University of Virginia as a Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer since 2008.  I have approximately 150 hours of related training in classes specific to the roles and responsibilities of the Treasurer (see my website for specifics).  My 12 years of experience will allow for a seamless transition in new leadership and allow me to bring fresh ideas in.

3 - What do you plan to accomplish during your tenure should voters choose you for the position of treasurer?
My 3-Point Plan: 

1)  Work with City Council to recommend implementing twice a year billing for personal property taxes.  As state funding for tax relief dwindles, personal property bills are actually increasing as our vehicles get older.  In 2005, the state was funding 70% of a taxpayers bill so it made sense to go to once a year billing.  Now, the state is providing only about 30%.  Too many folks are struggling to pay their bills in one installment.  Twice a year billing will ease that stress. 

2) Electronic Billing - We all commute longer, travel more and experience deployments. Responding to paper mailings in a timely manner has become challenging.  Electronic billing will allow customers to receive their bills wherever they are, connect to a payment link, and take care of their obligations avoiding late fees.  This optional service will also save on printing and postage costs. 

3) Enhance the current online payment system - This "virtual cashier" provides 24/7 service at no additional cost to the city.  Adding other payment options will reduce stress on our workforce of "doing more with less" and create greater efficiency. 
 
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my visions. 

Brenda Wood

Related Stories:

• The Candidates On Fredericksburg's November 5 Ballot

• Fredericksburg Patch News - 2013 Election