Martinsville residents will cast their ballots Nov. 4 in a contested race for city treasurer between independent candidates Sheila Clark and Kendall Davis.
The candidates are familiar faces to the city: Clark is the interim treasurer, and Davis is the city’s public information officer. Both worked in different fields prior to taking government-related roles in Martinsville.
Davis graduated from Magna Vista High School before moving on to Old Dominion University, where he earned a degree in communications. In 2015, he started his professional career reporting in Norfolk and Richmond.
Clark’s early career also differed from where she would eventually end up. After earning her degree in business administration from Averett College, she worked at Kroger for nearly 15 years.
Both believe their work in city government covers a wide range of responsibilities.
“I’ve worked closely with every City department on a wide range of projects and initiatives, managing my departmental budget and serving as a member of the Municipal Fiscal Budget team,” Davis wrote in his questionnaire for Cardinal News’ voter guide.
Responses from both candidates have been pulled from Cardinal News’ voter guide after the candidates did not respond to questions for this story.
Clark touts her years of experience working alongside treasurers. She worked as a deputy treasurer prior to her candidacy. She decided to run for the position following the retirement of former treasurer Cindy Dickerson.
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She emphasizes her 29 years working in the treasurer’s office and 15 years as a Certified Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer, describing her experience and qualifications as unmatched.
The pair differ on their thoughts about the largest hurdle a newly elected treasurer will have to face.
“A major concern is tax collection,” Davis wrote. “The City’s tax levy collection rate is at its lowest in more than a decade, while outstanding delinquent taxes are at a 10-year high. As Treasurer, I will address this by improving online bill pay systems and taking a proactive approach to communicating with residents before and after bills are due.”
Clark suggests a more inward look, such as dealing with staffing issues.
“The biggest challenge currently facing the Treasurer’s Office is being short staffed,” Clark wrote. “While we are working to fill positions, I’m also committed to improving efficiency across the department for both staff and citizens through implementing modernized technology.”
Both candidates mentioned modernizing the treasurer’s office and emphasizing convenience for city customers. The treasurer has an annual salary of $112,417 and an office staff of five people, according to the city’s salary transparency report.
Davis said modernizing office workflow will improve operations and speed up transactions. He said he has the experience to make this happen.
Clark suggests an approach geared more toward hardware, such as implementing tap-to-pay machinery and new equipment for staff.
