Robert S. Wertz Jr.* (R)
Office Sought: Commissioner of Revenue
Age: 46
Residence: Leesburg.
Education: BS, business administration, Longwood University.
Occupation: Commissioner of the revenue, Loudoun County.
Web site:http://www.bobwertz.org
E-mail address: bob@bobwertz.org
Offices and positions held: Commissioner of the revenue, Loudoun;
president, NOVA District Commissioners of Revenue Association of Va.; certified licensing official, National Bureau of Business Licensing Officials; member, Va. Association of Local Tax Auditors; member, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce; past director, Loudoun Credit Union; member, Va. Association of Assessing Officers; member, Leadership Loudoun; member, Loudoun Republican Committee.
Why should voters elect you?
My 15 years of experience in the commissioner of the revenue's office makes me the qualified candidate for the county's top elected tax assessment post.
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
Loudoun's biggest challenge is coping with rapid residential growth, which has resulted in higher real estate taxes, frequent school redistricting and inadequate transportation infrastructure. Under Virginia's current tax structure, development benefits the state with increased income tax revenue while localities are saddled with the costs of building new schools and providing the public safety, recreational and other services residents require. Virginia should reward Loudoun's economic development successes with better transportation infrastructure and more money for schools. I will actively participate in legislative efforts to retain local control over revenue programs and return more of Loudoun-generated tax revenue to Loudoun.
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
The Commissioner of the Revenue is the chief tax assessing officer in Loudoun County, responsible for assessing individual and business tangible personal property, machinery and tools, business license, short-term rental, transient occupancy, public service corporation, and bank franchise taxes. The Commissioner also provides state income tax assistance and administers the tax relief program for the elderly and disabled. The office also serves as a DMV Select Agent, providing Virginia residents with vehicle registration and license plate services. As Commissioner of the Revenue, my responsibility is to serve citizens and business owners by administering tax programs mandated by the Code of Virginia and local ordinance in a manner that is efficient, fair, equitable and thorough, while protecting the confidential personal and business information entrusted to the office. Loudoun's real property is valued by the office of the County Assessor. The assessor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
decline to answer
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