Democrats running for Newport News treasurer want to meet taxpayers where they're at
Voters will decide between a Hampton University graduate with more than a decade of financial management experience, and a longtime Newport News resident and entrepreneur in the Democratic primary race for Newport News treasurer.
Democrats Sanu-Dieng-Cooper and Derek Reason are vying to replace longtime Treasurer Marty Eubank, who publicly opted not to seek reelection in March. However, Eubank has recently submitted paperwork to be an independent candidate in November. Early voting has already begun, and primary day is June 17.
Dieng-Cooper has 14 years of experience in financial management, including holding executive roles with two nonprofits including Transitions Family Violence Services. The 39-year-old candidate is running on experience, and said in an uncertain federal funding landscape, Newport News needs an experienced hand to guide the city's checkbook.
'It's extremely important that in this climate, and in the future, that there is someone who has the experience in managing the complexities of this office,' Dieng-Cooper said.
Reason is no stranger to management though, as he has previously owned a photography company and currently owns DNA Logistics, a local transportation business. Reason, 39, said operating a business means regularly interacting with governmental entities, and his business expertise has left him with a lot of transferable skills for the treasurer's office.
'I think people try to over-complicate situations like this when it's not necessary,' Reason said. 'My job is to try to bring this office back down to eye-level for the public, not make it seem like it's out of reach for the average working-class citizen.'
The Newport News treasurer is responsible for the collection of local funds, including tax payments, business fees and real estate assessments. They serve a four-year term and as of 2022, the current treasurer received a roughly $180,000-per-year salary.
Part of that job to personalize the treasurer's office, according to Reason, is taking tax collections on a case-by-case basis and using personal discretion to alleviate financial pressure some business owners may be feeling.
'At the end of the day, we have to keep the lights on for the city, obviously, but at the same time, we still have to have a heart,' Reason said.
Dieng-Cooper said she also wants to improve transparency in the office, and wants to use direct constituent feedback to do it. Dieng-Cooper said she wants to host quarterly town halls and listening sessions to be a vessel between residents and legislators on community financial health.
However, tax collection is a necessary part of city functions, and Dieng-Cooper said she wants to host workshops to help people learn budgeting strategies, collection accommodation opportunities and where their money is going.
'What I don't want to see in this (federal funding) climate is a drastic decline in revenue. We want to continue to move the city forward with projects and initiatives that have been planned,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'I think that that comes with a lot of information for folks and meeting them where they are.'
Both candidates aim to utilize technology to achieve those goals. For Reason, that's using technology including AI to set appointments, fix incorrect billing and streamline the billing process for residents. Additionally, Reason said he wants to make the existing website more user-friendly.
For Dieng-Cooper, it's investing in a new app to connect with taxpayers outside of pen and paper. Dieng-Cooper said her vision for the app includes regular alerts to taxpayers reminding them of their payments, as well as resources to connect them with the treasurer's office and other accommodation options.
According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Dieng-Cooper has contributed roughly $2,200 to her campaign and received another $3,000 in donations as of March 31. Meanwhile, Reason has contributed nearly $7,000 to his campaign, and received another $21,000 in donations, including $1,000 from Virginia House Speaker Don Scott.
Endorsements are split in this campaign among current and former local officials. Reason is endorsed by Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan, Newport News council member Marcellus Harris, Portsmouth Commonwealth Attorney Stephanie Morales and several Newport News school board members. Meanwhile, Dieng-Cooper has been endorsed by Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany, Hampton Vice Mayor Steven Brown, Newport News council member Rob Coleman, and maintains an endorsement from Marty Eubank, despite his opposing candidacy.
Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com
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