Christian Collier, 51, of Mathews, has announced his candidacy in the Nov. 7 election for the office of Mathews County Commissioner of the Revenue. He is running against incumbent commissioner Les Hall.

Collier said his goal is to enhance practices that allow the county to maintain current tax rates and correct under-taxed property, removing budgetary constraints on improvement projects. While his background is in 911 services, he said that the Administrative Code of Virginia doesn’t require an area of specialization or even a college degree to serve as commissioner of the revenue. He said the job consists of assessing taxes, assisting residents with their income taxes, handling business licenses, and managing tax relief for the elderly and veterans.

A Middlesex High School graduate, Collier said his family has been in Mathews County for multiple generations. He has worked in emergency services for over 25 years, with the past 13 years in Mathews.

While serving the county, Collier modernized the 911 center and said he became known statewide for having set the bar in providing local residents with the best possible emergency response technology and infrastructure. He said he is determined to “bring his drive and expertise” to the commissioner of revenue’s office “to serve in a new but familiar capacity.” He said his desire to give back to the county began following a childhood accident, when he himself received emergency care.