Tax Receiver Candidate Smith Offer Reform Plan

Chris Smith of Pearl River, endorsed last week by Orangetown Democrats in his run for Orangetown Receiver of Taxes, released a five-point reform plan Sunday.

"My plan focuses on five specific areas that will help cut government waste and improve tax collections for Orangetown," Smith said. "Taxpayers work hard every day for their money, and we should make it easy for them to pay their tax bills. Government is supposed to work for the people and by making this office more efficient and accessible to residents, it will improve provided public service rather than simply take residents' tax dollars."

The plan includes the elimination of the position of Receiver of Taxes, a move that Republican incumbent Bob Simon is also supporting. The change is likely to end up on this year's ballot as a referendum. If it passes, the winner of the election would serve the final term before it is eliminated.

The other points are:

• Simplifying tax bills
• Creating payment plans for senior citizens having difficulty paying their taxes
• Keep the office open late or on Saturdays at least twice a month to increase accessibility
• Allow residents to choose paperless billing, which will reduce postage costs and help the environment.