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Treasurer on ballot in Stafford

For the first time in 12 years, the race for the constitutional office is a two-person race.

Date published: 11/4/2006

By TIERNEY PLUMB

For the first time in 12 years, Stafford County voters will have two choices for treasurer when they visit the polls Tuesday.

Democrat Cynthia R. Sellers is running against incumbent Republican Bill D. Colvin. Colvin was appointed to the position in February to complete the term of the late Elizabeth Dailey.

Both candidates said they are focused on improving the office's dealings with Stafford's rising commuter population.

"We have been using automation to keep in pace with that growth," said Colvin, 66, the former chief deputy treasurer who implemented speedier in-office equipment for bill payment. "I'm proud of that, and it's saved on hiring new people."

Since February, residents have had the option to pay all utility bills online. In the first month, 2,444 transactions were made, and in August, 4,000 households used the service.

Last week, Colvin spoke to commuters at local VRE stations about eliminating vehicle decals.

"I was at the [Leeland] gate at 5 a.m., talking to people on their way to work," said Colvin, who made the same commute when he worked 30 years for the U.S. government.

Sellers, 43, wants the treasurer's office to consider the busy needs of Stafford's commuting population by extending office hours and installing a drive-up drop box.

Sellers has volunteered for income tax-assistance programs and holds degrees in Computer Science and management information. She also did accounting work for the military.

If elected, she said she wants to try to lower the service fees for paying bills with credit or debit cards.

Sellers said her campaign has been "grass roots," with small talks in living rooms and getting Young Democrats groups from Mountain View and Colonial Forge high schools excited about the election.

"I believe competition is a good thing," Sellers said. "I've said a lot, 'I'm not running against someone, I'm running to win an office.'"

To reach TIERNEY PLUMB: 540/374-5000, ext. 5710
Email: tplumb@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 11/4/2006