Efficiency, courtesy top focus
of candidates in tax collector's race

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Both candidates in the Lauderdale County tax collector's race have the same goals in mind: To provide the most efficient and courteous service possible for citizens.
Leland Harper is the Democratic candidate for the office. He is challenging Stanley Shannon, the Republican incumbent.
Shannon, who has served as tax collector for eight years, has also served two terms as District 5 Supervisor. He made an unsuccessful election bid for chancery clerk before running for his current position.
He said he wants to be re-elected because he enjoys meeting, greeting and serving the people.
The tax collector is responsible for the collection and disbursement of real and personal property taxes. In Lauderdale County the tax collector's office sells about 70,000 automobile license plates a year.
Harper said he is campaigning as a candidate who is dedicated to public service.
Harper said he has considered running for tax collector for four years. A sales representative for Jenkins Enterprises, a wholesale distributor, he travels all over the state. He said he also has a background as a buyer and storeroom supervisor for the Ludlow Corporation and that he has experience in managing a budget, as well as hiring, reviewing and supervising employees.
Shannon said his office is efficient, that he and his staff are courteous, and that he intends to keep up the good work if he is re-elected.
He said he enjoys seeing the people and that only a small percentage of the people are upset when they come to the tax collector's office.
Shannon said a tax collector has to be the type of person who can cope with the occasional disgruntled citizen.