A letter to the editor yesterday from Terry Beiswanger makes an interesting point.
In response to Wednesday's City and State cover article "Vasquez takes charge of county tax office / Commissioners vote 4-1 to fill recent vacancy": With a new individual in the tax assessor's office, is it truly necessary to list his name on everything his office generates?We pay our taxes to the county, not to an individual. Will we need to spend more on letterhead, names on doors, etc.? Is it really necessary or is it an ego trip?
I would love to hear the answer to your question. I have always wondered what that was all about; one of the stranger aspects of Texas government.
Posted by: Chris McKee on December 27, 2008 6:41 PMThe letter to the editor (at least the part you quoted) isn't asking the same thing you are asking. Of course new stationary, presentation cards, name plate, etc. are necessary for a new office holder. I wonder why the letter writer is of the opinion that these things cost so much.
To your question, I agree payments should be made to the county not the office holder.
Posted by: Matthew Venhaus on December 27, 2008 9:34 PMI have always made my checks out to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. They've never refused it. This is a State issue. Commissioners Court has no voice in the matter, although (1) you have given them permission to use your tax money to buy lobbyists to influence state law makers on such matters, and (2) Commissioners Court feels they have the power to set policy of other elected officials by virtue of CC's ability to approve their budgets..
Posted by: Charles Hixon on December 28, 2008 12:55 PM