JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Both candidates running for Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector are wanting your vote and 12News spoke to both of them.
Both candidates tell 12News they're comfortable with managing money and a large budget and feel ready to be your next Tax Assessor-Collector.
"They should trust me I'm the most qualified candidate for that role. For my business experience, for my belief and diversity and inclusiveness, transparency," said democratic candidate Shawn Webb-Locke.
The two women both say they're qualified for the job.
"They should vote for me because again, they will have a dedicated professional that is running the office," said republican candidate Kate Carroll.
So what is a Tax Assessor-Collector?
Webb-Locke details the complexities of the role.
"Governs vehicle registration, the collection of property taxes and is also the voter registrar hub for our county," she said.
Carroll says it's more than just collecting taxes.
"Then you're budgeting for 29 taxing entities within Jefferson County. So the tax office is responsible for making sure every penny collected is dedicated out and goes where it needs to be," said Carroll.
Carroll says she balanced the budget and billing for the ambulance company she started. She's also served as an executive director of the Baptist Hospital Foundation.
Carroll says her experience is an advantage.
"My varied background in all sorts of different financial positions, puts me at an advantage. To run the county, and to be that one who negotiates between the county commissioners, the county judge, the clerks. And make sure that the county is run efficiently and effectively," she said.
Webb-Locke has similarly served the community on many advisory boards, like Lamar University and the NAACP.
Through her family owned real estate and construction business, she says she's managed millions of dollars.
"And volunteer in our community and given back. Not to mention overseeing businesses. Where about we filter millions of dollars of revenue appropriately handle that revenue throughout the county," Webb-Locke said.
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November election is October 7.