Get to know the men who want to be Washington County Trustee

Either Dale Ford or Rick Storey will likely be Washington County's next trustee.With no qualified candidate filed for the Democratic primary, and chances of a winning write-in candidate slim in the general election, the race is down to the Republican primary between Ford and Storey.Both men claim the experience and knowledge necessary to run the trustee's office, which bills and collects property taxes and invests available county funds, among other duties.Ford, a former baseball umpire and Tennessee representative, says the money he secured for local projects while in Nashville show he's effective and responsible with public money.Storey retired from the banking industry, and says his successful tenure there combined with his public service on the Washington County Commission makes him the best candidate.Here are responses the two men gave to a survey from the Johnson City Press:1. What is it about your experience and professional record that makes you the best candidate for county trustee?Ford: I am the best candidate for Washington County Trustee because I have extensive management experience handling large budgets and managing people. My experience includes being an Army Sargent, public relations representative and manager, for Holston Defense and Pepsi, a Major League Baseball umpire for 27 years, crew chief for Major League Baseball for 10 years and Tennessee state representative for six years. I have also been a farmer and very active in Washington County communities, which has given me great insight into people's needs. As a concerned citizen, I have raised tens of thousands of dollars for people in need by organizing, funding and cooking for over 300 fundraisers. I belong to many civic organizations am very active in church and have served as a deacon and also sing in a family gospel quartet. As a Tennessee state representative, I served as Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee, while also serving on the Highway Committee, Education Committee, and the Health Committee. Because of my service, I was able to bring millions of dollars back to Washington County for the Jonesborough sewer project, Gray interchange, Johnson City train station project, water and building projects and millions in grants. Under the committees I served on, I was responsible for tens of millions of dollars in disbursements which involved working closely with governors, representatives, senators, lobbyists, county and city administrators and the public. I had the fiduciary responsibility of managing and protecting the monies of the citizens of Tennessee. A banker does not handle a citizen's tax dollars.Storey: The Trustee is the banker for the county with responsibilities for, collecting property taxes, receiving and disbursing county funds and managing the county's cash flow as well as investing idle funds. I retired with over 40 years in banking and work daily with most of the responsibilities that are required for the County Trustee. I also was Board Chairman of the Johnson City Development Authority when the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was presented to both Johnson City Commission and the Washington County Commission. Initially, our task was difficult however, we continued to work with both the city and county, and the agreement was passed and remains in place today. Downtown Johnson City continues to grow and benefit all residents of the county with increased sales tax as well and adding value to the property tax.2. If elected, what changes would you make in the trustee's office? What would you keep the same?Ford: If I have the honor of being elected, I will make no changes in the trustee office.Storey: Before making any changes in the office, I would discuss with staff and evaluate any recommendations. I think we always look for ways to be more efficient while continuing to enhance the customer experience. We always need to make sure that our citizens are afforded any benefits they are entitled and communicate these benefits. Something that will remain the same is the staff. This staff has served the citizens of Washington County for many years, and I look forward to working with them as we move forward.3. One of you will likely be responsible for managing all of our county property taxes. How will you approach this important job?Ford: My staff and I will research for the best and safest investments for tax dollars while also seeking advice from the state and the brightest in the investment field and working closely with the county Budget Committee. I have the ability to work with people from all walks of life and negotiate for a resolution to problems. The office will be run with total transparency and an open door policy and I will never be obligated to any special interest person or group. I will keep trust in the office of Trustee.Storey: The property tax by far is the largest generator of money for the county. The responsibilities for this office were stated prior in this article which included managing cash flow. The Trustee will work with the mayor and Budget Committee to determine the cash needs of the county so that idle cash could be safely invested. Investments of county funds are guided by the county investment policy as well as guidelines from the State of Tennessee. Speculative or unsafe investments are not considered for investments. Idle cash can come from different sources, which includes required funds that are mandated by bond covenants, bond proceeds, grant funding, or reserve funds to mention a few examples.