He is still a college student and has never had a full-time job. The tax collector is a full-time job that requires skills and experience to handle millions of dollars collected for our community. The monies collected are put back into our community for the staffing and operations of important services such as … fire, EMS, police and local school districts. Each of us could possibly rely on one of those services at some point. 

When it comes to running such an important office, I expect this person to be someone with experience, understanding and leadership! It also requires being a people person with compassion who sometimes deals with difficult situations that may be the lowest points of our Haywood County citizen’s lives, resulting from a loss of a job or loss of a family member that puts them in a financial downfall. 

The Republican candidate is not gallant in his campaign. I have not seen his name appearing anywhere. During the candidate forum he did not demonstrate courage or directness, as he did not look up when speaking or when asked a question. Should this not concern citizens? 

The numbers speak for themselves! The current tax collector, Greg West, has the highest collection rate in the history of our county and it has been the highest during his consecutive four-year term. He has managed this from being fair and hands-on to the citizens of Haywood County. I urge you not to vote for someone just because “R” is beside their name. My vote is for the most qualified and most experienced candidate, Greg West! 

Stacy Lindsey 

Haywood County