Dear editor:

I am a senior citizen who has lived, worked, paid taxes and voted in Walker County all of my life.

Each year I get a property tax statement around Oct. 21. In all my years I have never been a day late or a dollar short. In fact, I usually have my taxes paid before the due date in December. I have never had a problem or an unpleasant experience with the Walker County Tax Commissioner’s Office until Carolyn Walker was elected.

Last year, after making a partial payment two months early, I received a statement demanding the remainder be paid in November, or I would be subject to interest and penalties. The taxes weren’t due until December, so why would I be penalized for paying early? The notice was confusing and intimidating and would have frightened most seniors.

I keep all of my records and still have the papers to show anyone who wants to verify my claim.

I recently saw a picture in the newspaper of Karen Walker, deputy tax commissioner. I didn’t know we had a deputy tax commissioner in Walker County, but something about it threw up red flags in my mind. Is Carolyn Walker planning to get elected, retire in mid-term and have Karen Walker appointed to the Walker Tax Commissioner’s Office? If so, the service and performance of the office is not going to change, just the name of the leader.

On July 31, we will have an opportunity to correct this. I have known Keith Fults for longer than 20 years, since the times he pumped gas at the Gulf station in Rossville. He is always friendly and eager to help. He has worked in the Walker County Tax Assessor’s Office and knows his way around the courthouse and the county.

Keith is a hard-working, intelligent and honest young man who can be trusted to run the tax commissioner’s office for the citizens, without having to hire extra help to collect back-taxes from the people who owe them.

Annette North, Flintstone