Tax Collector Name Change Fuels Controversy

In a surprising move, newly elected Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph has found himself in a little bit of controversy ahead of his official swearing-in ceremony on January 8th. Randolph was elected in November under Earl K. Wood’s name on the ballot and will take office Tuesday.

However, even though Randolph is not yet the Tax Collector and not yet sworn-in, he has already redesigned all materials with the “Scott Randolph” name  and said to have even added his name to Tax Collector buildings around town.

Questions around the legality and ethics behind the moves have engulfed an online political forum, Orange County Political Voices. Many Orange County residents and tax payers are also angry with the move, some calling it waste and others hoping the passing of Earl K Wood would usher in new policies that were not focused on the individual holding that office.

Orange County resident Craig Evans received mail dated from December 31, 2012 with the new Randolph marketing. However, Evans had already renewed his tag and registered with the Tax Collector office earlier in the month.

“The envelopes and letter from the Tax Collector’s office are already labeled with the new name and he has not even taken the oath of office,” said Evans. “Sounds like a waste of tax dollars.”

Evans and others were concerned that Randolph clearly made changing materials and adding his name a priority, yet could not have the office update their records in time to prevent an unnecessary mailing. Again, all before Randolph is even officially Tax Collector.

“What a waste of money if this man does not get re-elected,” said Evans. “We will have to spend money all over again to change the name again. Why can we not just call it the Orange County Tax Collector so that no matter who takes the position in election the paper work and envelopes will be able to be used on and on?”

All of this controversy also raises the question of who is running the Tax Collector’s office right now. All the public knows is that Earl K Wood’s “Chief Deputy” continues to lead the office. Last month, Kelly Goodwin spoke to the Legislative Delegation and said she was speaking “on behalf of Tax Collector-elect Scott Randolph.” Randolph has even made at least one staff hiring before taking office, Andrew Bell, who serves on the local Democratic Party board with Randolph and worked for Randolph on the Democratic coordinated campaign in 2012.