Newport News Treasurer primary: Sanu Dieng-Cooper and Derek Reason face off
Candidates Sanu Dieng-Cooper and Derek Reason are competing for the Democratic nomination for Newport News Treasurer. Candidate Justin Kennedy is also seeking the position as an independent candidate, and will officially file his candidacy at a later date.
The candidates are seeking to replace longtime Newport News Treasurer Marty Eubank, who opted not to seek reelection.
Virginia's primary elections are June 17. Early voting begins May 2.
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Age: 39
Employment: Director of public policy, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, Hampton University
Military service: Air Force
Website: sanudcooper.com
What would be your top priority if elected office?
My vision for how I would serve as Treasurer if elected is anchored in the Triple E's: educating residents, enhancing technology, and engaging with the public. By demystifying the functions of the Treasurer's office and promoting robust financial literacy, I aim to drive breakthroughs that will build a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive Newport News. I would prioritize citizen experience and customer service as well as modernizing the functions of the office, for example, launching a mobile app to allow residents to easily pay taxes, check deadlines, and access key resources.
What efforts would you undertake to increase collection of delinquent taxes?
To address delinquent taxes I would focus on raising awareness and offering assistance. Many people are unaware about the resources available to them and might struggle in our current economy so I would host Free Financial Literacy Workshops to help break down what's behind property taxes, budgeting, and city finances, to empower and ensure residents feel confident managing their money and can remain current on their taxes. I would offer direct assistance by deploying a Mobile Treasurer's Office to deliver tax assistance, payment plans, and financial resources directly to neighborhoods, so no one is left behind.
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Age: 39
Employment: Business owner and operator, DNA Logistics
Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology and business management, Liberty University
Military Service: Air Force
Website: alltherightreasons2025.com
What would be your top priority if elected office?
As treasurer, my obligation is to support you. If elected, my primary focus would be to engage with the community. With a person-centered approach, I plan to enhance customer service; treating every citizen and customer with the utmost dignity and respect no matter how much or how little they pay or owe. My top priority as treasurer would be to ensure the financial health and transparency of our treasurer's office. This would entail the following: Ensuring all due taxes and fees are collected efficiently and fairly. Advocating for potential state code and/or city ordinance amendments. Implementing innovative, user-friendly, tech-forward systems to streamline internal and external processes. Lastly, I would offer workshops and resources to assist residents and business owners in better understanding taxes, budgeting and financial planning.
Editor's note: Answers edited for length.
What efforts would you undertake to increase collection of delinquent taxes?
I would implement a combination of strategic, operational and community-focused efforts. I would effectively communicate and publicize clear and consistent guidelines for payments and payment plan arrangements. Working to prioritize accounts with larger debts and/or repeated non-payments, I would analyze delinquency trends to identify high-risk areas or accounts while also attempting to find ways to minimize consistent trends. In addition to USPS mail, I would utilize technology to create automated electronic reminders. All reminders and publicized information would underscore timelines for payment and potential consequences. Lastly, I would review internal processes the treasurer may have the authority to modify and also advocate for state code ordinance amendments that may support citizens and businesses while also closing loopholes to improve the efficiency of delinquent tax collection.
Editor's note: Answers edited for length.
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