Don’t abandon elected treasurer

Tara L. Thomas
Published: November 1, 2008

To the Citizens of Manassas Park:

You have a very important issue on the ballot in this year’s election —whether to keep or abolish the position of the elected treasurer in Manassas Park. The sitting treasurer, the city manager and
members of the city council all support abolishment. But is this what is best for you, the citizen?

The Virginia Constitution of 1870 provided for the election of the treasurer as part of a “checks and balances” system along with the commissioner of the revenue — a system that continues to be effective
in large and small localities across the commonwealth. The electoral process protects the independent status of these offices and ensures that local tax revenues are assessed, collected and invested by
officers who are directly accountable to you, the citizens. Your city manager and city council would prefer that the treasurer’s responsibilities be performed by appointed personnel who answer only to
them. Is this what is best for you? 

This is a difficult issue for your locality as well as one that will distinctly change the face of your local government. I encourage each of you to take the time to research the issue and decide what you
think is best. If I can be of assistance in answering questions, please feel free to contact me at (804) 693-2141, or by email at .

TARA L. THOMAS

Treasurer of Gloucester County

President, Treasurers’ Association of Virginia