As residents across the Historic Triangle vote for their candidate of choice in the United States Senate and congressional races this year, some may notice another race on their ballot.
The position? York County treasurer.
The election was prompted by the retirement of former treasurer Deborah Robinson in July.
Robinson worked for York County for 37 years, serving as an accounts clerk and then treasurer starting in 1998.
During her tenure, she worked to create customer service programs and find innovative ways for residents to pay taxes in a convenient and secure way, according to a resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors in July.
What does the treasurer do?
An elected position, local treasurers in Virginia are tasked with collecting taxes and fees from residents and businesses.
The treasurer also makes payments on behalf of the local government and manages the investment of local funds, county spokeswoman Gail Whittaker said.
The position works with various county offices and officials, such as the Commissioner of the Revenue, who conducts tax assessments for real estate and personal property.
The treasurer’s office also issues payroll for county employees, handles dog licenses, maintains county bank accounts, interim Treasurer Candice Kelley said.
So, who’s running?
There are two candidates running for treasurer in this year’s special election: Kelley and challenger David Westcott.
Kelley is running as an independent, and Westcott is running as a Republican.
Kelley, a Seaford native, was appointed to the treasurer position after Robinson announced her retirement.
Before stepping into the interim position, Kelley served as deputy treasurer for York County.
If elected, Kelley aims to provide “excellent” customer service and “innovative ways to remit payments, improve internal processes,” according to her website.
She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Averett University in Danville and is certified as a Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer by the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
Kelley has been a member of the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia since 2015, and has also taken several courses including one on the treasurer’s roles and responsibilities, Virginia government and law, business ethics, short-term investments, introduction to governmental accounting, delinquent collections, bankruptcy and customer service.
Westcott’s website says he is a longtime resident of York County, and has served as chairman of the county’s Legislative Policy and Publicity Board and vice chairman of the county’s Transportation Safety Commission.
Westcott’s platform includes ensuring the treasurer’s office keeps up with technological advancement and represents transparency, accountability and customer service, according to his website.
He currently works in the external affairs division of Americans for Prosperity, where he teams up with community leaders and lawmakers to promote lower taxes, fight against Medicaid expansion and build trust between legislators and residents. Westcott also has worked as an assistant legislative aide in the House of Delegates.
Westcott has a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in public administration and finance.
Click here for more information on candidate Candice Kelley.
Click here for more information on David Westcott.
Editor’s note: According to York County Gail Whittaker, the county does not have a Legislative Policy and Publicity Board, but Westcott is chairman of the county’s Transportation Safety Commission’s Legislative Policy and Publicity Committee.
