Any political office with “tax” in the title is bound to be a contentious one, and the office of tax assessor in Lauderdale County is no exception.

    With elections this year, three candidates are running in the Republican primary for tax assessor: incumbent Tax Assessor Jimmy Slay and challengers James D. Rainey and Van Lewis.

    Slay, who has been tax assessor for the past 12 years, said he’s running again because, “I want to be sure all the taxpayers of Lauderdale County are treated fairly.”

    Slay said one of his goals for the next few years is to end the current contract with the company that has done the county’s real property tax appraisals and bring appraisals back in-house. A number of residents complained after the most recent property tax appraisals, which were conducted by an outside firm.

    Slay said he also has plans to make tax maps available on the internet and to place updated sketches on the appraisal link that is currently available online.

    “I will work hard to save the taxpayers of Lauderdale County tax dollars and reduce taxes when possible,” he said in a written statement.

    Slay said his proudest past accomplishments include providing tax appraisal and other information to the public via the internet, passing every audit since he’s been in office, coming in under budget every year, and providing a way for landowners to have their real property values reviewed.

    Along with his experience, Slay said his education makes him stand out from other candidates. He said that education includes a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College, certification as an appraiser with two types of designations, and membership in the International Association of Assessing Officers, along with other courses and seminars.

    Rainey said he’s running because he wants to “return the office back to the people.”

    “I entered this race because politicians have stopped listening to the people who have elected them to office,” Rainey said in a written statement. “I am also in this race because I understand that our children and grandchildren will never have the same opportunities we enjoy if we do not make this change now.”

    Rainey’s goals in office are to maintain an open door policy and communicate well with taxpayers, to take a more conservative approach to the office, to keep an open, working relationship with the city, and the current appraisal contract and bring appraisals in-house.

    Rainey said he has previously worked as assistant tax assessor for the city of Meridian, and has served 35 years in the military where he attained the rank of chief master sergeant and was chief of the information management section for the Mississippi Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Wing. He said he also created, managed, and was CEO of a construction company.

    “This unique blend of skills and experiences gives me a broad perspective on the office of tax assessor,” he said.

    Lewis said he’s running because he feels he can bring a fresh start to the office of tax assessor and be a new, positive influence in the county.

    “Ultimately my goal is to provide an open, honest, and transparent office to the citizens of Lauderdale County, save taxpayer dollars by consolidating services, and utilize modern technology to streamline office operations,” he said in a written statement.

    Lewis said he also wants to openly communicate with taxpayers, to provide “fair and true” appraisals, and to work cooperatively with both county and city officials.

    Lewis, who buys and sells timberland, acreage, and recreational properties for a living, said he has been involved in all types of real estate and property for over 30 years.

    “This has provided me with an intimate understanding of true property value assessment,” he said.

    Lewis said he has a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Mississippi State University and experience as a registered forester and a licensed real estate broker.

    Slay, Rainey, and Lewis will face each other in the Republican primary in August. Since there are no Democratic or independent candidates running, the winner of the primary will be unopposed in the November general election.