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Democrat Annette Ramirez and Republican Steve Radack are both running in the race for Harris County tax assessor-collector in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. Get to know each candidate in our Q&A.
The details
Ramirez's experience includes 22 years as a property tax attorney and serving as assistant general counsel at Aldine ISD.
Radack's experience includes serving as the former Precinct 3 Harris County Commissioner as well as an elected constable in Precinct 5.
What else
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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 from Community Impact, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
What residents should know
Key dates provided by the Harris County Clerk's office for the Nov. 5 election are:
Why are you running for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector?
I am running to serve as tax assessor because the office is a strong fit for my professional experience. I have 22 years experience as a property tax attorney working in government. I am the only candidate in this race with direct, on-point experience handling this office’s chief functions.
When it comes to this elected role, what about your background makes you stand out as a candidate?
I am the only candidate in this race that has any property tax experience. My 22 years experience will allow me to make the necessary changes to that office that will help taxpayers navigate the property tax system and help homeowners minimize their property tax burden.
Just one year ago, the integrity of the voter registration process in Harris County returned to the tax office. If elected, how would you address transparency and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and efficiency with that data?
As an attorney with over 22 years experience, it is important to have someone in the office that has extensive experience monitoring ever laws and adjusting processes to ensure that our systems are fully compliant with the laws while we support our focus on registering every eligible voter.
If elected, how would you advocate for taxpayers, particularly when it comes to the increasing cost of living for the county’s most vulnerable communities including seniors, disabled and veterans?
Property taxes have become an increasing burden on our homeowners. I would focus on educating our citizens on how to minimize their property tax burden, provide opportunities to escrow taxes in advance and propose changes in law that would assist families manage delinquent taxes when loved ones have passed away.
Why are you running for Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector?
I strongly believe Harris County government has gotten off track because of wasteful spending and too little concern for the average taxpayer. I know Harris County; I understand Harris County. I will bring experience to the Harris County Tax Office on day one to ensure accountability to taxpayers and voters.
When it comes to this elected role, what about your background makes you stand out as a candidate?
I have served as an elected county commissioner in Harris County for 32 years and as an elected constable for four years. Serving our great citizens is an honor. As commissioner, I gained expertise in budgeting for staff, equipment, technology, and operations in the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.
Just one year ago, the integrity of the voter registration process in Harris County returned to the tax office. If elected, how would you address transparency and maintaining a high standard of accuracy and efficiency with that data?
Carefully review all procedures and make needed changes or adjustments to ensure the voter registration process runs smoothly. Acquire the resources needed to fund more full-time staff to ensure this critically important division runs as efficiently as possible. Current use of part-time staff costs taxpayers more in training and funding.
If elected, how would you advocate for taxpayers, particularly when it comes to the increasing cost of living for the county’s most vulnerable communities including seniors, disabled and veterans?
Beneficial exemptions available to lower or freeze property taxes are often unknown. I will promote these with our most vulnerable taxpayers. The tax assessor is automatically a member of the Harris County Appraisal District Board. HCAD determines the value of properties. I will fight for fair and honest valuations.
