Smith Begins Campaign for Tax Receiver, Supports Elimination of Position

Chris Smith of Pearl River officially kicked off his campaign for Orangetown Receiver of Taxes Saturday at Kwan Thai Restaurant in Pearl River.

Smith enters the campaign with a unique goal. The Democrat said he wants to work to eliminate the position, which is currently held by long-time incumbent Republican Bob Simon. 

"The position of Receiver of Taxes unnecessarily costs taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars per year," Smith said. "In these tough economic times hard working Orangetown residents can no longer afford to fund redundant layers of bureaucracy.  When I'm elected I'll eliminate this office by having it absorbed by the Town Clerk, after voters approve a referendum in this year's election."

The Orangetown Council discussed such a referendum at a meeting Dec. 11, 2012, most likely looking at putting it on the ballot this coming November. 

According to a release from Smith sent out this weekend, Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart is supporting his plan.  

"I endorse Chris Smith for Receiver of Taxes and will work with him to reduce costs and achieve greater efficiencies by eliminating the Receiver of Taxes as an elected position," Stewart said.  "I will advocate for this by asking my fellow town councilmen to support me by placing this question on the November Ballot so voters can decide whether to eliminate this costly, duplication of efforts within town government. If approved by the voters, Chris will lead the transition and phasing out of the Receiver of Taxes as an elected position,"