Through his education, experience and community involvement, David has developed into one of the leaders in Shelby County. David’s financial services experience needs to be put to use in the Shelby County Trustee’s Office. We are in the midst of one of the most challenging economies of our time. As the banker for Shelby County, we need qualified and experienced leadership in the Trustee’s office.

Efficiency! Efficiency! Efficiency!

Government is a necessary component of our society and should be a fertile soil where families and businesses should be able to plant and grow. Government should not hinder growth, but should create a culture for growth. Therefore, government should be good, responsible and sustainable. Long-term sustainability is created through efficient management.

Improve the Property Tax Billing and Collecting Process

According to the 2009 Trustee’s Office Annual Report, over $45,000,000 of property taxes went uncollected—this is more than the previous 10 years combined! Over sixty (61.6%) percent of Shelby County’s money comes from your property taxes. Your property taxes are the primary funding source for the City and County schools. A shortfall in property taxes will lead to increased property taxes and/or increased debt—neither are good alternatives. Therefore, it is vitally important that all property tax billed is collected. David will work to restore the efficiency in the Trustee’s office.

Prudent Oversight & Management of Taxpayer Dollars

According to the 2009 Annual Report, the interest earned on county funds for Shelby County Government, Shelby County Schools and various county offices decreased over 54%! We are in the midst of an extremely fragile economy. How are County funds invested? Will interest rates go up? Will inflation increase? How will these issues affect the County’s portfolio? These questions are too real and too important to trust to someone who has little or no investment experience. David has the investment experience to oversee and manage your taxpayer dollars.

Create A Culture of Sustainable Growth

Payment In-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program — In order to create a fertile soil, sometimes certain ingredients need to put in to the soil. The PILOT Program should be one of those ingredients to create a culture of economic growth in our community.

Bankruptcy — Bankruptcy is never good for anyone. Unfortunately, Shelby County is near the top of the list in bankruptcies per capita. Bankruptcies are a tremendous drain on our community and a symptom of an underlying problem—financial literacy. Through public and private partnerships, we must address the issue of financial literacy in our community.

Promote Tax Freeze/Relief Program — Assistance and generosity to those who need it most is crucial to a creating a culture of sustainable growth. Therefore, we should look for more effective ways to communicate the available property tax incentives to our County’s senior citizens.