Michael J. Marcotte: I intend to reduce the cost of operations, promote business growth, improve efficiency and streamline the office.
The incumbent has spent over $1.3 million of tax dollars on a failed Oracle computer system that never worked as intended, and then over $1.5 million of citizen tax dollars to replace the Oracle system with another system that was to be online June 2010 and is not. It has been another costly failure.
The current Commissioner is paid $155,000 to manage a 40 person office that has a supervisor for every 3 to 6 employees. His salary has gone up $35,000 since he took office in 2003. He used to have one chief deputy that made $75,000. Now he has two chief deputies that make between $90,000 and $100,000. He does not manage real estate assessments or the license inspector’s office, although he is paid as though he did. Those offices are separate and answer to the county administration. Who is looking after the real estate interests of the citizens?
The incumbent has been mired in litigation with businesses that should be spending their time and resources providing goods, services and jobs to the citizens of Chesterfield County, not in costly litigation with the local tax office. He has spent valuable resources due to disputes with his own employees. Taxpayers are paying too much due to the incumbent’s questionable management skills and interpretation and application of tax law.
Michael J. Marcotte: I will look into what went wrong regarding the high cost citizens have paid for technology purchased by the incumbent that does not work, and find the best solutions that will bring the commissioner of the revenue’s office into the 21st century, making it fully modernized as economically as possible. I will work to make sure the real estate assessor’s office is included.
I plan to bring the cost down in that office, look at the supervisor to employee ratio and the necessity for two deputy chiefs. I will work to reclaim the real estate assessor’s office. The people should have an elected official to preside over their real property and protect their interests, as is intended by the law in Virginia. Why wouldn’t the real estate assessor’s office be included in any plans for an upgraded computer assessment/tax system? I will work to see that it is included.
I will work diligently to interpret and apply tax law fairly and equitably. I will work toward more competitive taxes and fees that will promote and keep businesses headquartered in Chesterfield. I will work with citizens, and men and women of business, and listen to them to better understand their needs, concerns, and interests. I will work with the Board of Supervisors, county administration and other county departments to encourage businesses that provide jobs to our citizens. I want to encourage job creating businesses to come and flourish in Chesterfield County. I will also treat my staff with respect and fairness. I will work toward resolution of work place conflicts and save the taxpayers’ dollars by resolving issues before they get into litigation.
Michael J. Marcotte: I have a business degree in acquisition and contract management. I am also a military veteran with extensive leadership and management experience and training. I have worked extensively with statute in the past. I have been concerned about the wasteful spending at the commissioner’s office by the incumbent and know I could do something about it. I currently work in the private sector.
Michael J. Marcotte: I believe people should keep as much of their money in their own pockets as they can. Taxes should be at a minimum; increase in taxes should be a last resort to stabilize our economy. Discretionary spending should be on hold until economic conditions improve and people are back to work. We need certain services and tax dollars pay for those. We must ensure our tax dollars are collected fairly and equitably, and they are not spent frivolously.
Michael J. Marcotte: I want to set an example that we are public servants and we work for the people. Our children are our future. Education must be a priority. I have pledged to give 20% of my salary to the PTA.
Every day I will come to work to find ways to save the taxpayers’ money, just as they do when they are at home and go over their budgets. I will encourage my staff to give me advice and feedback and together we can have a first rate commissioner’s office that understands it is paid for by the people to serve the people.
Joseph A. Horbal: The Commissioner of the Revenue is a Constitutional Office responsible for the assessment and administration of a wide variety of taxes. The tax laws frequently change and the Commissioner must create new or adjust existing processes to accommodate the changes.
Joseph A. Horbal: I serve on the Legislative Committee for the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia. This enables me to stay abreast of proposed and passed legislation.
Joseph A. Horbal: I have worked in the office for over 31 years, the last 8 years as Commissioner. The education and experience I have gained enabled me to earn the Master Commissioner designation from the Commissioners Association in cooperation with the Weldon Cooper Center for Excellence at the University of Virginia.
Joseph A. Horbal: Reasonable taxes are necessary for government to provide services to the citizens that cannot efficiently be provided by the private sector. For three decades I have written realistic budget proposals for the office and have never overspent our budget.
Joseph A. Horbal: While I do not plan any major changes, rest assured, change and challenge comes naturally to any organization. We are well suited to address any change or challenge that comes our way.
Campaign Address:
5403 Windy Ridge Drive
Midlothian, Va. 23112
Campaign phone:
(804) 971-5097
Campaign Email:
votemichaelmarcotte@yahoo.com
Phone (direct):
(804) 971-5097
Incumbent?:
No.
Age:
45
Career:
Private Sector
Campaign Address:
1550 Winbury Drive
Midlothian, VA 23114
Campaign phone:
(804) 307-7490
Campaign Email:
jhorbalcor@aol.com
Phone (direct):
(804) 307-7490
Incumbent?:
YES
Age:
55
Career:
Elected Commissioner of the Revenue for the last 8 years.
Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue for 22 previous years.
Field Auditor for 1 year.
Biographical Information
