Tax commissioner hopefuls share platforms

Name: Brad E. Goss (Democrat)
Occupation (work experience): Self employment, eight years in military, leadership roles in for profit and nonprofit businesses, 15 years as a certified appraiser for Hart County and 21 years of pastoral leadership.
Family: I am married to Pamela Goss, with four children, Chad Goss, Jim Allen, Gabriell Hester and Mariah Goss. Grandchildren are Katie Goss, Paition Allen, Carter Allen and Christian Hester     
Why are you running for office? For me, it is a spiritual journey after considering running for office on several other occasions when our previous tax commissioner resigned for health reasons. I prayed about the opportunity to serve God and his people at a higher and more impactful level. Serving as the tax commissioner is that opportunity to provide leadership, professionalism and customer service for all of Hart County’s citizens. And lastly, I believe it is time for change, change that does not demand trust, but asks for the opportunity to earn it.
What is the biggest challenge facing the tax commissioner’s office and how would you tackle it should you be elected? I believe the biggest challenge facing the Tax Commissioner’s office is consistency. Providing a work environment that allows its employees to feel valued and their ideas beneficial is the large part of the role of any leader. If elected it would be my objective to create an environment within the tax commissioner’s office where it is the place where everyone wants to work. I would have an open door policy and employee meetings to openly share in the continued progress and elevation of the office. It is a collaborative effort. Also, knowledge of the bigger picture of how the different components of taxation fit together is essential. It is through the efforts of the appraiser’s office and tax commissioner’s office working cohesively together that the citizens of Hart County are served best.
What qualifies you to hold this office? I have spent my whole working career thus far serving the public in some way. I believe  the different opportunities I have been blessed to have in my life have developed me as a leader. Also in my current capacity as the associate chief appraiser for the Hart County appraisers office, it has allowed me to gain knowledge that will assist me tremendously in serving the citizens of our county.

Name: Karen Martin (Republican — incumbent)    
Occupation (work experience): Tax Commissioners Office 1991-present
Family: I am the youngest daughter of Billy Sam and Shirley Martin. I am also married with two adult sons and seven grandsons.
Why are you running for office? I am running for office because I have worked in the tax commissioner’s office for 29 years and would love the opportunity to continue serving Hart County as your tax commissioner.
What is the biggest challenge facing the tax commissioner’s office and how would you tackle it should you be elected? The biggest challenge at the tax commissioner’s office has always been customer relationships and keeping the taxpayers of Hart County happy. Since I have taken office, I have implemented several changes to bring the office into the 21st century, such as online services for automobile and property taxes. I have also updated the credit card system to be more user friendly.  My staff and I are always working diligently to provide exceptional customer service to the taxpayers of Hart County, even providing curbside service for high risk customers during the pandemic.
What qualifies you to hold this office? I started my career as a tax clerk with the tax commissioner’s office in 1991 and I have served as the deputy tax commissioner for 20 years.  Throughout my career at the tax commissioner’s office, I have learned first hand what it takes to be a successful tax commissioner and I fully believe I have what it takes to be your tax commissioner.