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February 20, 2024
Candidates Q&A - Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector
The Bandera Prophet invited the candidates for Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector to participate in a Q&A. Each candidate's response is published in alphabetical order by their last name.
The questions and answers are as follows:
1. Why are you running for Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector?
Rebekah “Reba” Dolphus: The Prophet did not receive a response.
According to the League of Women Voters - Hill Country Texas, the candidate’s name is on the ballot, but she is not seeking election.
Andrea K. Jankoski: I had contemplated running for office and was encouraged by others to do so. The time was right as I felt like this position was somewhat of a convergence of my talents and work experience. As First Assistant Auditor for the county, I have been through several budget cycles and I understand the relationship of the tax rate to county expenditures. This unique perspective and insight are valuable pieces to being a good Tax Assessor. Attending almost every Commissioners Court for the last two years has also provided a broad overview of how the county functions. I understand that public service is more than doing a job efficiently and honestly…it must be complete dedication to the people.
2. What would you like to see changed in the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office, and how do you plan to implement those changes?
Jankoski: Service to the public and efficiency in operations are top priorities. Feedback I’ve received from taxpayers includes extending office hours on Fridays. I have also identified several ways to improve operations. This would include cross-training employees to improve the efficiency and consistency of day-to-day operations. Working in the Tax Office can be stressful so it is important for employees to conduct themselves with professionalism, expertise, and compassion both with the taxpayer and with fellow employees. To develop a staff who is of service to the public and practicing transparency/accountability regarding taxpayer dollars is very important to me. My hope is that our office can resolve issues thoughtfully. Additionally, as elections supervisor it will be my duty to ensure elections are conducted appropriately to the nationally expected standards restoring faith and confidence with our county voters.
3. What do you believe is working well, and how do you plan to preserve that?
Jankoski: Since I’ve taken office, I have witnessed the cooperation of current employees and the wealth of knowledge and best practices when it comes to the overall operation of the office. Longevity of employees is important to consistency and I hope to fill our vacant positions with people who are interested in building the same sort of camaraderie and improving operations while maintaining an elevated customer experience.
4. What are your biggest concerns for the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office?
Jankoski: The Tax Office is not only the most frequently visited office in the county, but it also collects and manages millions of dollars. Therefore, I would say the most pressing issues facing Bandera County Tax Assessor/Collector office (or any Tax Office, for that matter) are first and foremost confidentiality and maintaining the integrity of the office. Staffing is another concern. Maintaining a fully staffed and trained office has been challenging so finding creative ways to attract new employees that are committed to serving the public will be a priority.
5. What makes you the best candidate for Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector?
Jankoski: Let’s just say that the Tax Assessor-Collector is not the most coveted job in the county. Nonetheless, I have the experience and desire to fill the office and do it with excellence, transparency and accountability. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Brene Brown once said, “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is not earned through heroic deeds or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection.”
I hope that you would allow me the opportunity to earn your trust by voting for me on March 5.
~ Early voting for the March 5 election begins Tuesday, Feb. 20 and continues through Friday, March 1.
Early voting locations are at the:
Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see more election information at https://www.banderacounty.org/page/elections.current.elections
The questions and answers are as follows:
1. Why are you running for Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector?
Rebekah “Reba” Dolphus: The Prophet did not receive a response.
According to the League of Women Voters - Hill Country Texas, the candidate’s name is on the ballot, but she is not seeking election.
Andrea K. Jankoski: I had contemplated running for office and was encouraged by others to do so. The time was right as I felt like this position was somewhat of a convergence of my talents and work experience. As First Assistant Auditor for the county, I have been through several budget cycles and I understand the relationship of the tax rate to county expenditures. This unique perspective and insight are valuable pieces to being a good Tax Assessor. Attending almost every Commissioners Court for the last two years has also provided a broad overview of how the county functions. I understand that public service is more than doing a job efficiently and honestly…it must be complete dedication to the people.
2. What would you like to see changed in the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office, and how do you plan to implement those changes?
Jankoski: Service to the public and efficiency in operations are top priorities. Feedback I’ve received from taxpayers includes extending office hours on Fridays. I have also identified several ways to improve operations. This would include cross-training employees to improve the efficiency and consistency of day-to-day operations. Working in the Tax Office can be stressful so it is important for employees to conduct themselves with professionalism, expertise, and compassion both with the taxpayer and with fellow employees. To develop a staff who is of service to the public and practicing transparency/accountability regarding taxpayer dollars is very important to me. My hope is that our office can resolve issues thoughtfully. Additionally, as elections supervisor it will be my duty to ensure elections are conducted appropriately to the nationally expected standards restoring faith and confidence with our county voters.
3. What do you believe is working well, and how do you plan to preserve that?
Jankoski: Since I’ve taken office, I have witnessed the cooperation of current employees and the wealth of knowledge and best practices when it comes to the overall operation of the office. Longevity of employees is important to consistency and I hope to fill our vacant positions with people who are interested in building the same sort of camaraderie and improving operations while maintaining an elevated customer experience.
4. What are your biggest concerns for the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office?
Jankoski: The Tax Office is not only the most frequently visited office in the county, but it also collects and manages millions of dollars. Therefore, I would say the most pressing issues facing Bandera County Tax Assessor/Collector office (or any Tax Office, for that matter) are first and foremost confidentiality and maintaining the integrity of the office. Staffing is another concern. Maintaining a fully staffed and trained office has been challenging so finding creative ways to attract new employees that are committed to serving the public will be a priority.
5. What makes you the best candidate for Bandera County Tax Assessor-Collector?
Jankoski: Let’s just say that the Tax Assessor-Collector is not the most coveted job in the county. Nonetheless, I have the experience and desire to fill the office and do it with excellence, transparency and accountability. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Brene Brown once said, “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments. It is not earned through heroic deeds or even highly visible actions, but through paying attention, listening, and gestures of genuine care and connection.”
I hope that you would allow me the opportunity to earn your trust by voting for me on March 5.
~ Early voting for the March 5 election begins Tuesday, Feb. 20 and continues through Friday, March 1.
Early voting locations are at the:
Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex, 403 12th Street, Bandera: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 - 7 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lakehills Area Library, 7200 FM 1283, Lakehills: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Medina Annex, 161 E. Parker Street, Medina: Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday, Feb. 26 to March 1, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day by precinct is Tuesday, March 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please see more election information at https://www.banderacounty.org/page/elections.current.elections