Tax Collector candidate: Jim Overton

Name: Jim Overton

Family: Connie (41 years), Sarah & David & Addie, William

Occupation: Duval County Tax Collector (incumbent)

Political/Government experience: City Council 1992-2003, Council President 1997-98, Duval County Property Appraiser 2003-2015

Years lived in Jacksonville: Native

Campaign website: www.jimoverton.com

Why did you decide to run for office: To again serve in Public Administration.

What is the biggest challenge facing the office you're seeking, and how specifically would seek to address that: Modernization of data processing, establishing a merit pay system, and improving customer service through branch improvements are top priorities. All are expensive and getting proper funding within the City of Jacksonville's budget is challenging and competitive.

What more do you believe your office could be doing to serve the citizens of Jacksonville: Specifically, we need to overhaul our website with more E-government features, replace our dated accounting software, and fund a few positions we lost in past budget crunches. Overall, we are striving to improve our customer interface. Our mantra is we treat every customer efficiently, effectively and equally.

What would be your main budget priority for the upcoming fiscal year: A new accounting software. This will be competitively bid through the City's Professional Services Committee.

How do you define what you hope Jacksonville will be ten years from now: Jacksonville will be one of America's great shining cities, and its' Tax Collection offices will be state-of-the art, welcoming places, with fast and convenient service.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: WOKV asked all candidates in a race to answer the same questions, and the answers here are their unedited responses. WOKV has not independently verified information in these answers, nor is WOKV endorsing any candidates.