Eligible residents have until Oct. 7 to register to vote, and early voting starts Oct. 21 and ends Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Scott Grigg
Experience:
35 years Audit/Accounting/Finance experience, 6 years with Tax Office, Former Finance Manager
Occupation:
Certified Fraud Examiner
Candidate Website:
www.electscottgrigg.com
Contact Information:
469-834-3588
Why are you running for Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector?
The tax office collects over $4.5 billion annually and Collin County needs a Tax Assessor-Collector with the skills and experience to ensure taxpayer money is protected. My decades of experience with multibillion-dollar companies and skillset gives me the unique ability to properly protect taxpayer money and ensure every cent is reconciled.
What are the biggest challenges facing the tax assessor-collector’s office?
Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and growth comes with many challenges. With over a million vehicles to register, the challenge will be to make sure that all the needs of the taxpayers are taken care of without sacrificing superior customer service.
How do you plan to address those issues?
First, we must address the high turnover. It will be my job to lead in providing a working environment that will attract and retain good employees, provide the support they need for success, and provide superior customer service. Together we will give Collin County the best tax office in Texas.
If elected, what is your top priority?
My top priority is to ensure the necessary controls are in place to protect taxpayer money. Two things that lead to fraud are a lack of controls and unhappy employees. Starting from day one, I will test controls and show that I am committed to creating a positive work environment.
Stephanie Cooksey
Experience:
Starting two trucking companies, founding member of an AI Tech company
Occupation:
Underwriter and small business owner
Candidate Website:
www.Cooksey4texans.com
Why are you running for Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector?
To improve the quality of life for all residents by ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and equitable system that benefits all. I aim to keep Collin County thriving and well-prepared by modernizing the tax office, supporting property tax relief, safeguarding taxpayer information, and being a watchdog in county government.
What are the biggest challenges facing the tax assessor-collector’s office?
A couple of the biggest challenges are making sure we keep up with continued growth of the county and safeguarding taxpayer information.
How do you plan to address those issues?
This population growth will best be addressed by working with local offices to determine budgetary needs and identifying resources to handle increased workload and demand for services; including additional satellite offices or mobile units and additional online options. Cybersecurity measures should continually be updated and implemented to safeguard public data.
If elected, what is your top priority?
It is important to have a safe, accessible, customer service-oriented tax collector's office for our community. My goal is to improve and enhance the customer service by ensuring that the tax office is easily accessible, both physically and virtually. I will be transparent about the tax process, fees, regulations changes.
