Candidates in Cameron County tax assessor collector election share their priorities ahead of early voting
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Cameron County's longtime tax assessor collector Tony Yzaguirre lost the seat after more than 30 years in office following a May runoff election.
Two candidates are now on the ballot to replace him.
A tax assessor collector is responsible for collecting taxes, and calculates the amount before mailing out statements.
Eddie Garcia took the Democratic nomination, and said the role will allow him to continue to serve the public.
Garcia was an officer with the Brownsville Police Department for more than 30 years, and said his leadership style will help him in the role.
“Leaderships is extremely important. I have been board president at all these different organizations, so definitely that is something that I bring — a leadership that is needed for this office,” Garcia said.
Garcia said if elected, his top priority would be focusing on customer service. He would also focus on educating the public on the type of help the office offers Cameron County residents, Garcia added.
As the Republican nominee in the race, Jesus "Rami" Martinez said he will work with other entities to help taxpayers if elected.
Martinez said his experience makes him the right man for the job. He spent six years as a department manager with the Cameron County Appraisal District, and has 18 years of experience managing. He says that history proves he can organize a large scale operation.
If elected, Martinez said his top priority would be to ensure people have the knowledge and information they need when it comes to how they can help make policy changes.
His second priority is transparency and having an open door policy
“We cannot open an office for every single city, but we can actually set some time apart to go and visit those cities and talk to our constituents,” Martinez said.
Both nominees said they plan to bring trust to the office.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21.
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