Annette Ramirez

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

I have 22 years experience as a property tax attorney. I currently oversee all delinquent property tax litigation at Aldine ISD. After 22 years working in government, I have mastered managing various projects despite bureaucratic hurdles - limited budgets & resources, legal constraints & intergovernmental relationships. I am the only candidate in this race with direct, on-point experience handling one of this office’s chief functions.

What are the biggest challenges facing the Tax-Assessor Collector’s Office and how will you address these challenges?

Voter disenfranchisement and suppression has historically targeted communities of color and we must remain steadfast in ensuring that every eligible voter is registered to vote and understands their rights under the law

Property ownership has been a driving force behind inequality in this country. We need proactive educational outreach programs targeted at historically disadvantaged communities;Including information about available exemptions and payment plans that can alleviate the tax burden

What initiatives will you implement to effectively manage staff, technology, and other resources to improve service to the community?

Staff should be provided with regular training & continuing education
to ensure they have the skills & knowledge necessary to answer the public’s questions with
confidence

Implementation of new & improved technologies, such as online payment platforms would make it easier for the community to pay their taxes

We need to increase public engagement & do a better job educating the public on the property tax system with outreach & townhall style meetings to allow the public to provide feedback and

What plans do you have to facilitate voter registration for residents of Harris County?

I am committed to year round voter engagement that consists of outreach and VDR training/recruitment in multiple languages to reach as many individuals qualified to register to vote as possible, community outreach to ensure citizens are updating their addresses and voting so they don’t get removed from the voter rolls. This can be achieved with a robust grassroots effort and an outreach team that works with volunteers, educational and nonprofit organizations year around.