Bradshaw Announces Bid For Reelection

Saturday, May 07, 2011

Commissioner of the Revenue Richard Bradshaw announced Friday he aims to run for re-election this fall.

“I intend to run on my record of service to all of the citizens and taxpayers of James City County,” Bradshaw said.

During his term, the office has expanded the tax relief program for elderly and disabled homeowners, successfully managed the conversion of the State’s Personal Property Tax Relief funding to a fixed amount, and increased the staff devoted to business taxes, he said.

“I am especially proud of the way my staff has managed to cope with the nearly 40 percent growth in the County’s population and a nearly 60 percent increase in business activity without any overall increases in personnel.”

Goodson announced his candidacy last week, and positioned himself as ready to bring reform to an office he believes is in need of it (read that story here).

In response to Goodson’s criticisms of the office under his management, Bradshaw said, “I was surprised by his sudden interest in this office. I made a point in each of my first 10 years as Commissioner to invite all of the members of the Board of Supervisors to visit my office to see what we do and determine how we could best work with them for the benefit of the County.

“He has yet to appear and I still think he wonders why I couldn’t cut staffing in the Commissioner’s Office when the Treasurer’s Office stopped issuing decals for automobiles.”

Bradsaw says he’s been trying to make changes, but has not gotten support. “Nearly all of his proposed enhancements to the office are already being done or have been proposed in the past to be rejected by County Administration under the direction of his Board.”

Goodson also highlights the importance of customer service in the role of Commissioner of the Revenue. The office does a good job of that, in Bradshaw’s estimation. “Our most satisfying moments come when we have been able to assist someone with tax problems by correcting a filing error, giving information about relief programs or helping them work with another agency or jurisdiction,” he said.

“Even though it’s rare to hear about these things, citizens know that this type of help is available here, just for the asking.”