Politics & Government

Calhoun, Hanratty Battle for Lansdale Tax Collector

Former Hatfield Borough tax collector Christine Calhoun looks to oust incumbent Democrat Jim Hanratty from the Lansdale Borough tax collector role Tuesday.

Tax collection is in Republican Christine Thee Calhoun's blood.
Her father, Nick Thee, was a former Lansdale Borough tax collector, and Calhoun trained under him.
Prior to Hanratty's election last year, Calhoun served as deputy tax collector in the sudden resignation of former tax collector, the late Robert Di Domizio.
Her most cherished experience, however, was being a tax collector for a number of years in Hatfield Borough.
Naturally, Calhoun is running on Tuesday for the tax collector spot held by Democrat Jim Hanratty on her flawless record, long-term experience and personal integrity.
"I am focused on serving the people of Lansdale, not just collect their taxes," Calhoun said. "I want to remind them that I am highly qualified with a complete understanding of the tax collector's responsibilities and duties.  I have maintained my business relationships with the county, borough, school district and neighboring municipalities and have a complete list of contacts with mortgage companies, banks, and title companies for all tax related issues."
Calhoun, if elected, wants to rebuild on the experience she started two years ago in Lansdale.
She said that includes reinstating credit card payments and improving the online accessibility of the tax office.
"I had many tax payers utilize the credit card option when I was the appointed tax collector in 2011 and I will definitely get that back up and running," she said.
Calhoun said she is always accessible by phone or email. Her campaign includes updating the tax collection web page with collection hours, phone numbers, tax-related government links and a question and answer link to help residents understand their bills.
"My focus here is to streamline the tax paying process and give the residents the online tools to help themselves," she said.
A major issue with the tax collector office has been the elimination of the office at borough hall.
"Unfortunately, it is not up to me. So, until borough council decides otherwise, I will continue to collect the taxes from the Harleysville Savings Bank in the Hillcrest Shopping Center," she said. "The employees there were always very welcoming and helpful when I was collecting in 2011."
Calhoun said any resident or business with a conflict with the payment schedule can work out a person pick-up of taxes with Calhoun.
"I will go to them," she said. "It's all about service."
Hanratty did not return comments on questions about the tax collector race.


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