Meet Jay Blumenthal, Running For Reelection As The Tax Collector In Abington Township

ABINGTON, PA — To continue with our pre-election coverage, Patch is bringing to you the responses to a candidate questionnaire filled out by Jay Blumenthal, who is running for reelection as Abington's tax collector.

Read Blumenthal's responses to the profile questionnaire below.

Age (as of Election Day)

77

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife, Jo: daughters Kate and Sarah (both alumni of Abington School District)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Temple University - Business and Accounting

Occupation

Abington Township Tax Collector and Treasurer - 16 years; Managing Partner in the accounting firm of Blumenthal and Brauman; licensed accountant for 51 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Abington Township Tax Collector and Treasurer; Jefferson Health parent board - Board Trustee; finance, investment and audit committees; Jefferson Health System - Board Trustee, Chair of Audit Committee; Jefferson Health NE - Board Trustee, Board Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer; Chair of Audit Committee and member of various other committees; Abington PAL and Helping Hand Foundation - Treasurer of both

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election to continue exemplary service in the Tax Office.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue is the Township Budget. I will continue to collect the taxes that are rightfully due to keep the Township's reserves intact. This will reduce the need for a tax increase.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the proven Tax Collector. As a former partner in Blumenthal & Brauman, I was an accountant and auditor. I maintain a current accounting license and am a member of various state and county tax and accounting associations.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The other issues that define my platform are to: exceed budget collections, maintain the services that I have instituted, resume informative community meetings, seek innovative ways to save the Township money and continue to attend conferences relevant to the Tax Office.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my tenure as Tax Collector, I met or exceeded budget collections, extended office hours, created more ways to submit payments, instituted a bar coding system to expedite cash flow, started email notifications, attended and provided information during various events and provided fast response during and after business hours.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To work hard and treat others as I want to be treated.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Abington has been my home for 48 years and I am invested in the success of our Township and my fellow residents. It is important for the Tax Office to continue to provide exemplary service in the collection of taxes. I would appreciate your vote.