In an effort to help you make informed decisions during the General Election, ABC Action News has reached out to dozens of candidates running for office. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. Every candidate was given the same set of questions. These are their responses in his/her own words.
Name: Nancy Millan
Party: Democrat
Office: Hillsborugh County Tax Collector
Experience:
I have worked at the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office for over 30 years where I started as an accounting clerk, rising to the position of Director of Community Relations.
I am a Certified Florida Collector Assistant with certifications in Property Tax Administration, Management of a Florida Collector’s Office, and Duties and Responsibilities of a Tax Collector and The Collection of Licenses, Taxes, and Fees. Over the years, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector has become the Gold Standard by which Florida Tax Collectors and other local government agencies seek to follow.
I have brought innovative solutions to service delivery, making doing business with the agency a fast, friendly experience for the citizens of Hillsborough County. I was instrumental in establishing and chairing the Florida Tax Collector Association (FTCA) Public Information Coalition which was formed in 2006 by a group of dedicated individuals who shared a vision to enhance the image of all Florida tax collectors while sharing best practices and promoting public awareness in statewide initiatives.
Why should voters vote for you?
With over 30 years of experience, I am ready to take on this tremendous responsibility of being your Tax Collector and will hit the ground running. As your Tax Collector, I will ensure the office improves upon our already recognized gold standard in customer service, while protecting your personal information and offering easy and convenient access to all of our services.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
- Increase accessibility to our services through community outreach so every resident can receive the vital documents and services they need in a convenient manner.
- Continue to provide top notch customer service while ensuring that taxpayers dollars are spent wisely.
- I will invest in Cyber Security and Data Management so that your personal information is kept safe and sound.
- I will promote Transparency and Good Government, because our Tax Collector’s Office should be accountable to the people we serve and will continue to be so under my leadership.
What are three key messages of your campaign?
I have the practical experience and know-how to run an accessible, efficient, inclusive, and accountable Tax Collector’s Office. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, there will be no on-the-job training, and residents of Hillsborough County can expect first-in-class customer service from Day One.
I promise to perform my duties as Hillsborough County Tax Collector with a commitment of inclusion and racial diversity for both our employees and the constituents we serve. As the current Director of Community Relations, I have internally advocated for a workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The Office of Tax Collector has had an above average percent of minority employees but we aimed higher and are very proud to report to date that 55% of our employees are minority. These are good paying jobs with benefits and pensions.
As your next Tax Collector, I am committed to continuing the progress we have made and working with groups across our great county to implement additional opportunities.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
No answer provided.
As it relates to the role you are seeking, how has that governmental body handled the Covid-19 pandemic? What would you do differently/the same in handling both the public health risk and the economic recovery?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the many inadequacies of our government in providing critical services during a public health crisis. While some government agencies adjusted to the new normal, many in our community still went without the assistance they desperately need. COVID-19 reinforced my community-centered values, and it is my mission to provide greater accessibility to government services for residents of Hillsborough County. Over my 30+ year career working within the office , I saw firsthand the impact an accessible, customer-service oriented Tax Collector’s Office can have on our community, and I want to expand our service throughout our county by increasing online and in-community services.
In the role you are seeking, what will you do to address issues of racism and inequality?
For weeks in the aftermath of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks, cities across the nation have peacefully protested the injustices African Americans have faced at the hands of police brutality. I have walked with social justice organizations, clergy, and community leaders in solidarity. I will continue to stand with those calling for the acknowledgement that black lives matter in every aspect of our daily lives. We still have a lot of work to do as a country and within our own communities to build stronger relationships and trust with law enforcement and also within our justice system.
My further commitment to equality and dedication will build upon my career-long record of working to ensure that our Tax Collectors staff and the customers we serve are treated with dignity and respect and feel welcomed in our offices. I will continue to improve upon the stellar customer service we provide Hillsborough County making our office more inclusive and compassionate for both employees and residents.
What motivates you to run for public office?
As a part of the senior leadership team, I’ve committed my career in public service to making this office the gold standard in the state. This is not about a paycheck or about politics for me. This race is about ensuring that we not only maintain the level of service Hillsborough County has come to expect, but exceed expectations as we continue to innovate, improve and expand our reach in this community. I will ensure this office operates efficiently and effectively while being transparent and accountable to the residents of Hillsborough County.
