There is a two-way contest for the Democratic nomination for the position of Warren County tax assessor. The nominee will advance to face Republican Mike Caruthers and independents Ben Luckett and Doug Tanner in the Nov. 8 general election.

Democrats seeking the seat being vacated by retiring assessor Richard Holland are:

• Angela Brown, 42, an appraiser in the tax assessor’s office for the past 11 years.

• Gary Lick, 60, a former businessman who previously ran for supervisor, state senator and sheriff.

1. What can the tax assessor’s office do to keep owners of homes and businesses informed of their tax situation in addition to mailed notifications of increases?

Brown: The tax assessor’s office can print public notices in The Vicksburg Post on July 8 and July 18 (annually) informing taxpayers that Warren County real and personal property assessment rolls are ready for viewing and they can contact the assessor by phone or walk-ins to discuss their assessments. Objections to assessments should be made in writing and filed in the Board of Supervisor’s Office by July 31. The assessor also can take advantage of current technology (Internet and e-mail) to post notices and create an assessor’s web page listing property information and notifications of proposed tax increases.

Lick: We do not need the “same old, same old” thought process. I will strive to bring honesty and fairness to any tax assessment for home and business. I will strive to treat everyone with the courtesy they should expect. I will inform the people of increases before they happen. Thanks to technology, there are so many methods to establish communications with taxpayers. I believe we can devise an effective system. I will maintain a website so people can contact me. We should also keep the community informed through meetings and the local newspaper. I will be available and will return calls the day I receive them.

2. In Warren County, real and personal property values are down 1 percent compared to last year — the first drop in more than two decades, with the continually sluggish economy to blame, officials have said. Do you believe it will continue?

Brown: Last year, Warren County had a tax revenue spike due to increased revenue from six new hotels and improvements to a local casino. In the three terms I’ve served as deputy assessor, this is the first year I’ve witnessed a decrease in values. I attribute this year’s decrease in values primarily to the slow economy. I believe the economy will improve and produce more job opportunities for citizens and stimulate growth in Vicksburg. In contrast, if there isn’t growth or new developments I believe you will continue to see either level property values and/or possibly a decrease in values.

Lick: We are aware that times are sluggish and people have greater need to hold on to their hard-earned incomes. Because of flooding, house and land values in certain areas will need to be re-assessed. We would be giving the taxpayers more money to spend, which would boost the economy. This office is responsible for city and county assessments and requires the knowledge and experience of technology, real estate, housing and land values. I have experience and am ready to put in the time and effort needed to make things run smoothly and efficiently. Have you noticed your taxes decreasing during the past decade? My taxes have not. As a matter of fact, they have gone up each year.

3. With retirements by the incumbent and top deputy assessor and two top staffers in the race, the next tax assessor is assured of a smaller, less-experienced office for the next four years. If elected, how will you address the changes in the size and breadth of experience in the office?

Brown: As your new assessor and having served as your deputy for 11 years, I will first, actively recruit qualified individuals in the Warren County area. Secondly, I will recruit qualified individuals residing in regional localities. I would identify top applicants with great communication skills, caring, professional and with experience and/or interest in tax assessing/appraising and ensure they receive proper training through the Mississippi State Governmental Department. I will encourage them to receive certified appraiser certification, assessment evaluator and ensure additional hands-on training as deemed necessary.

Lick: The individual will have to get the feel of the tasks. Bringing someone new is refreshing and a great way to look at an office’s positives and negatives and determine effective changes. He will have the expertise of the staff. I will work with the staff as a team leader in each department. With their knowledge, it would be to no one’s advantage to let any one of the staff go or replace them because the office has a new leader. I hope the staff would have the drive and desire to stay, and I believe their shared knowledge would help the assessor get settled in.

4. Why do you want to be tax assessor?

Brown: I have a passion for serving people. I will ensure all values are assessed fairly, making sure taxpayers pay no more than their fair share of taxes according to state laws (no one will receive preferential treatment). I have faithfully served you by performing duties including: researching/locating property information, printing maps/property cards, sketching homes/buildings and inputting information to assess values on 26,050 real property parcels, ensuring the assessor’s office functions properly, and promptly addressing citizens’ concerns. I am qualified, experienced, knowledgeable of managing inner office and outside property appraisals. I am a certified appraiser and assessment evaluator.

Lick: I truly want and need this job. I have the experience, time, energy, drive and determination to keep the office running in top form with the current staff. All I need is the opportunity to serve. I ask the community to please give me their votes, support and faith to serve as Warren County’s next tax assessor. My number is 601-529-8925 if you would like to talk about anything. I thank you for getting to know candidates and their experience. It is important to remember to vote for experience and change, not just the most popular candidate.