Here’s who’s running in the Republican primary for Tarrant County tax assessor on March 5
Wendy Burgess
Age: 53
Campaign website: www.wendyburgess.com
Occupation: Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector
Best way for voters to reach you: wendy@wendyburgess.com
Education: Graduate of Western Hills High in Fort Worth, Associate’s Degree from Tarrant County College
Have you run for elected office before?: Yes, I served two terms totaling six years on Mansfield City Council. I have served two terms totaling 5 years to date as Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club- board, Paul Harris Fellow & 4 Way Speech Contest judge, Mansfield Chamber of Commerce board member & Chairman, Mansfield Citizens Fire Academy, Mansfield Citizens Police Academy
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Bankruptcy was paid back to creditors over 30 years ago.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Larry Trammell (my father), Tom Durant, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson
Why are you running for this seat?: I am best suited to continue running this office because I am the subject matter expert in this race. I have dedicated the past five years to learning every aspect of the operations, staff, processes, tax law, and TxDMV requirements. I have also been dedicated to understanding the wants and needs of the taxpayers and customers in our office. I am committed to continually seeking efficiencies to further improve the services the office provides to the citizens of Tarrant County. I earned the highest designations a Texas Tax professional can earn in my first two years in office. I am certified to teach property tax classes for tax professionals and my staff, also saving taxpayer dollars as I can provide professional development for my own staff at no cost.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent?: The most crucial distinction is that I am focused on running the operations of the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office, all services the office provides to the public and any ancillary duties as assigned by statute or tax code. My opponent is absorbed in his belief that he can influence value as a TAD board member. Under the Tax Code, this would violate the code as written by the Legislature and is ultimately a jailable offense. Advocating for the taxpayer is a task my staff and I perform regularly. I do not politicize nor ask for public credit for my work on the taxpayer’s behalf, as I see it as a regular duty of my job. I have run the office for five years with process improvements, increased efficiency, reduced wait times, and clean audits.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?: The three most significant issues are accountability, experience, and understanding what the position truly does. $6.5 billion comes through my office annually, and I am personally accountable for every penny. My opponent left the Tarrant County Republican Party in financial ruin, and the taxpayers cannot allow this type of management over the money entrusted with this office. Under his chairmanship and while he was treasurer, the Party was fined thousands of dollars in late fees by the IRS, the Federal Ethics Commission, and the Texas Ethics Commission. If leaders cannot be accountable for a $300,000 budget, how can they be trusted to run a $17M budget efficiently and account for the penny for $6.5 billion of taxpayer funds?Having held this position for five years, I have the experience needed to continue to grow on our past successes. Not only have we won awards for our work, but we have also shared the processes with other counties so they can succeed. Being a subject matter expert is best maximized when you share that knowledge with others because a rising tide lifts all boats in our often misunderstood line of business.Lastly, I know the job’s duties, functions, and requirements. My opponent believes the only facet of this job is its’ role on the TAD Board of Directors. While it is an important part of the job, it is a small piece of the larger puzzle, comprising the entirety of running the Tax Assessor-Collector office in the 14th largest county in the United States.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?: I plan to continue building on the successes we’ve already experienced in the Tax Office. Financial Accountability- We provide award-winning customer service to Tarrant County taxpayers and are accountable for every penny. I intend to keep it that way. No other county reconciles accounts or presents financials with the amount of detail we do to the auditors or budget. Taxpayers- We have dramatically improved wait times in all eight branch locations and streamlined services through our queuing system to an average 14-minute wait. I intend to keep that level of quality and service because that’s what our taxpayers deserve and become accustomed to under my leadership. Innovation- We have projects in the IT project management queue for our department alone and multi-departmental projects to utilize funds best and realize savings while maximizing use throughout services provided to the public. A Tax Office app with all resources available in one suite is one project I am advocating for on behalf of meeting our customers where they do business.
How do you plan to be an advocate for Tarrant County taxpayers in this position?: I have advocated for the taxpayers in this position for five years. Advocacy comes in many forms through the services we provide. I advocate for the taxpayers by working with the legislators and encouraging them to pass laws that offer relief to the citizens of Tarrant County. For example, in 2023, I worked closely with legislators in writing and offering substantive changes with the passage of the Property Tax Relief Act. Not only did I advocate for it, but I served as an expert resource for legislators when working out the finite details of how the bill would be implemented. I plan to continue such efforts in the future.I also worked closely with legislators from the early filing of the conversion of paper to metal plate bill. I worked through substantive discussions of the original issue, what processes could be put in place to stop the fraud that was occurring with paper plates, the systems that needed updating for implementation of a new system, and final discussions on how to get the system in place to keep the title and registration system functioning during the switch. Advocacy occurs at the counter and through discussions with taxpayers daily related to exemptions, refunds, title company mistakes, corrections to deed issues affecting the sale of property, probate issues for families of a deceased, providing information related to deferral of taxes, and many more avenues of support. It is not one easy answer or a small box of advocacy. It is a larger opportunity in many areas of expertise in which I can provide advocacy.
How do you plan to work with the three new publicly elected members being elected to the TAD board?: With the passage of Senate Bill 2, which was affirmed by voters in the November 2023 constitutional election, my position will soon be a voting member as opposed to being a non-voting member as it has been for the past five years. This is an inconvenient truth my opponent has twisted in his rhetoric against me in his campaign. I look forward to working with the elected board members who are equal to the members nominated by the entities, some with whom I have served already. In the Appraisal District Manual, the Texas State Comptroller outlines the duties of the Board of Directors and allows county-level Board of Director policies to be filed with the state. This Board will evolve over the next few years as directed by SB2 and I look forward to working with business-minded leaders with a servant’s heart. I understand the role of the BOD governance, duties, policy authority, financial responsibilities, and overall CAD operations.
What is the most pressing issue in your opinion facing taxpayers in Tarrant County?: The most pressing issue facing taxpayers is the increase in the tax obligations they have faced over the last several years. In recent years, Tarrant County has become popular for people and businesses to relocate because our thriving business environment drives property values higher. Obviously, a home is most people’s single largest investment, so increasing values is a good thing in the big picture, but it, unfortunately, comes with an increased tax obligation, which is difficult for Tarrant families facing higher tax bills. As the Tax Assessor-Collector, my office doesn’t set tax rates or values, but as a taxpayer myself, I understand the burden placed on property owners and taxpayers. That is why I have consistently worked with our legislators to support efforts to increase the homestead exemptions available to homeowners. Raises in homestead exemptions have been slow historically, but I am pleased to have been able to support efforts that have raised the homestead exemptions for Tarrant County homeowners, including an unprecedented quadrupling of the homestead exemption during my last two terms for the largest portion of our tax bills: school taxes. Additionally, I am proud to run one of Texas’s most efficient and cost-effective government offices. Making sure that the taxes we do pay are not wasted on an unnecessarily bloated government agency is one of the things I am most proud of during my time in office.
How will you measure your success in this position?: Continuing to run an office recognized statewide as a model of efficiency, as proven in our TxDMV Performance Quality Recognition Program Gold award. Continuing to receive high marks for customer service where taxpayer issues are addressed and resolved efficiently and painlessly, exhibited in our customer comment cards and online comment system.I plan to continue working with state, county, and local officials to help protect taxpayers with increased exemptions that help lower the tax burden. Finally, make certain that the tax dollars paid by Tarrant County taxpayers are handled with the highest degree of accuracy and professionalism to the penny.We must respect and serve all the citizens of Tarrant County.
Rick Barnes
Age: 60
Campaign website: WWW.RICKBARNES.ORG
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Best way for voters to reach you: Rick@RickBarnes.org
Education: Bachelor’s, Texas Tech University; Masters, Texas Christian University
Have you run for elected office before?: Mayor Pro-Tem, Keller; Chairman, Tarrant County Republican Party
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Rotary International, Member; Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce, Member and Board of Directors; Northeast Chamber of Commerce, Member; served on the board of fourteen non-profit organizations, locally and across the country.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Mona Bailey, Vince & Mona Puente, John & Cheryl Bean, Pat Schatzline, Tim O’Hare
Why are you running for this seat?: I am a lifelong Conservative, successful businessman, and proven leader. I want to restore integrity, fairness, accountability and transparency to the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent?: Leadership vs Management. We need leadership at all levels of government. I bring those skills, abilities and commitment to the office. My opponent has become a simple manager of the bureaucracy of the statutory requirements of the office. Too many have lost confidence in this office. Under my leadership, Tarrant County taxpayers will set their minds at ease knowing that the Tax Assessors Office and the Tarrant Appraisal District will be led with the competent leadership the people of Tarrant County deserve.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?: 1 - Confidence in, and understanding of, the property tax process through the Tarrant Appraisal District, 2 - Leadership that will bring about necessary change rather than simple management of statutory requirements, 3 - Conservative commitment at all levels of leadership within the office.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?: As we approach the upcoming election for Tax Assessor-Collector in Tarrant County, I am reaching out to you, the hardworking taxpayers who deserve a voice in our government. I would be honored to have your vote in this election. My vision is to restore integrity, fairness, and accountability in this office through a five-step process: 1 - Limiting Appraisal Increases - I recognize the burden excessive property taxes place on our citizens. I will work to be a leader on the TAD Board to review property values only once every three years and establish a limited appraisal increase so you are able to prepare financially. It is time we put an end to the annual struggle of Texans being taxed out of their homes. 2 - Advocacy for Tarrant County Taxpayers - Unlike my opponent, who seems to have lost touch with the needs of our community, I pledge to be a tireless advocate for Tarrant County Taxpayers. I will prioritize representing your interests while working with taxing entities, the Tarrant Appraisal District, and elected leaders at all levels of government. 3 - Ensuring Fair Treatment or Tarrant County - I am committed to addressing discriminatory practices, such as the mandatory auto inspections imposed solely on Tarrant County residents with only 16 other counties in the state. My opponent was nowhere to be found when this biased tax was implemented, but I will work to eliminate it and ensure that all Texans are treated fairly. 4 - Ending Tax Revenue for Sanctuary Cities - I firmly believe in upholding the law, and that includes ensuring no tax money from Tarrant County - or anywhere else in Texas - supports sanctuary cities that violate our laws. I will actively work to cut off funding to any city that flouts the rule of law. 5 - Bringing Ethics Back to the Office - Ethics should be the cornerstone of public service. Drawing on my experience as the Mayor Pro-Tem of Keller, I will write and enforce an ethics policy for the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector office. A commitment to ethical leadership will guide our actions and rebuild trust in the community.
How do you plan to be an advocate for Tarrant County taxpayers in this position?: I will continue to participate in community activities as a daily part of my job on behalf of Tarrant Taxpayers. At all times, I pledge to be a tireless advocate for the Tarrant County taxpayers and will prioritize representing their interest while working with the taxing entities, the Tarrant Appraisal District, and elected leaders at all levels of government.
How do you plan to work with the three new publicly elected members being elected to the TAD board?: Today the TAD board is made up of five members who represent the various taxing entities across the County and only one person - the Tax Assessor-Collector - who actually represents the taxpayers themselves. Fortunately, through the changes voted in through the constitutional election this past November, three new publicly elected members will be added to the TAD board in the May municipal elections. Furthermore, this change makes the Tax Assessor-Collector a voting member of the TAD Board on your behalf. That means the four of us - the three new members and the Tax Assessor-Collector will be in place to represent the best interest of the taxpayers themselves. Unfortunately, my opponent has stated that she believes this has “politicized the process” and considers it a bad move. I firmly disagree, and I look forward to utilizing my voice on behalf of taxpayers. I will work directly with these three new members of the Board to do just that.
What is the most pressing issue in your opinion facing taxpayers in Tarrant County?: Property Taxes - in my many meetings with taxpayers across the Tarrant County over the past many months of this campaign, property taxes remain the top issue for all, including a demand that when I take office, I do all I can to bring back a position of responsibility to the Tarrant Appraisal District
How will you measure your success in this position?: Upon taking office I will work with our leadership and staff to establish a long-range strategic plan of goals and action items that will guide our operation moving forward. Our success will be measured regularly throughout the plan and will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary as we do the work on behalf of the taxpayers of Tarrant County.
