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and processing payments, distributing payments, organizing and distributing data all in a fast paced, high demand, high stress environment. As former law enforcement I understand that sometimes laws have to be enforced. This may involve proceeding with legal actions when taxes are not paid. While this action is never desired it may be required at times, and I am prepared to take action as necessary. This position will give me the opportunity to use my skills to serve you all and continue to make Wheeler County a great place to live for us and future generations.
3. There are very few changes that need to be made with this position. An excellent foundation has been laid, and I plan to continue to build upon what has been set. I will continue to work with you all to ensure that everyone is receiving fair and equal treatment.
4. My goals are to continue to operate the office in a fair and efficient manner. I plan to work closely with all county officials including County Commissioners, and the Tax As-sessors office to ensure that I can serve you all to the best of my abilities. I will be hands on and present diligently working to serve you all. The Rev. Dr. Marvin J. Howard, Sr.
1. Associate (Funeral Service) Ogeechee Technical College B. S. and Master’s (Middle Grades) Albany State College Specialist (Leadership) Troy State University Doctoral (Leadership) Nova Southeastern University I am married to Susie A. McRae Howard. We have three children: Jerome, Angel, and Landon.
I served in several roles in education: teacher, coach, assistant principal, alternative school director, principal, school superintendent, and board member. I retired after 40 years of service. I own Howard Mortuary, and have been a pastor for 44 years, leading congregations across the state. The skills I’ve gained in these roles will help me succeed in this position.
2. I’m running for this office because I am fully qualified to serve the people of Wheeler County. As the individual responsible for collecting taxes, I will carry out my duties with honesty, integrity, and a deep respect for every member of our community. With 44 years of experience in ministry, I have dedicated my life to sharing the love of Jesus and treating all people with dignity and compassion. I will bring that same heart and commitment to this role.
3. If elected as Tax Commissioner, I would focus on improving transparency, efficiency, and customer service within the office. My key priorities include: Improved Communication: Making it easier for citizens to understand their tax responsibilities through clearer notices, updated online resources, and accessible customer service.
Modernizing Systems: Exploring secure and costeffective technology upgrades to streamline payment processing, reduce wait times, and minimize errors.
Stronger Community Engagement: Holding regular informational sessions or open office hours to hear concerns, answer questions, and build trust with the public.
Fair and Equal Treatment: Ensuring that every taxpayer is treated with fairness, respect, and compassion— regardless of their background or circumstances.
My goal is to create an office that serves the people with the same dedication, care, and honesty that I’ve demonstrated throughout my 42 years in ministry.
If you let me know your specific values or goals, I can customize this further.
4. A. Increase Office Efficiency and Responsiveness Goal: Reduce wait times and ensure faster processing of actions.
How: Implement updated software systems for smoother processing and record-keeping.
Cross-train staff on a variety of tasks, improving flexibility and reducing bottlenecks. Introduce online appointment scheduling and additional self-service options.
B. Improve Communication and Transparency Goal: Ensure all citizens clearly understand their tax obligations, deadlines, and options.
How: Simplify and redesign tax notices for clarity. Maintain a regularly updated website and social media presence with FAQs, deadlines, and announcements. Offer public Q& A sessions at least twice a year. C. Ensure Fair and Equal Treatment Goal: Treat all taxpayers with respect and impartiality, ensuring consistent enforcement and support.
How: Create clear, fair policies for payment plans and hardship accommodations. Provide regular customer service training for all staff, emphasizing empathy and professionalism. Personally oversee challenging cases to ensure fairness and compassion.
D. Strengthening Community Trust Goal: Build trust in the office through ethical leadership and public service.
How: Operate with full transparency in all dealings. Make regular reports available to the public detailing office performance and improvements. Be available and visible in the community—not just behind a desk, but at local events and meetings.
E. Promote Financial Responsibility and Education Goal: Help residents better understand their taxes and how those funds support the county.
How: Partner with local organizations or schools to provide workshops or printed materials on tax literacy. Send out brief educational updates along with tax notices explaining where funds are going.
State Election
The Vidalia and Wheeler County local races will be on the ballot, along with the District 3 PSC seat This year’s PSC election marks the first election since 2020, as District 2 PSC Commissioner Tim Echols and District 3 Commissioner Fitz Johnson have served extended terms on the commission because of a pending lawsuit regarding the practice of electing delegates to the commission. After the case was solved earlier this year, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger issued an official call for an election on February 19, as he declared that the primary election would be held on June 17, and the general election would be held later in November.
The General Assembly further solidified this plan of electing delegates to the Commission, as they passed a bill authorizing the election to be held this year for Districts 2 and 3, while the District 5 election will be held in 2026 and the Districts 1 and 4 elections will be held in 2028.
The Georgia PSC District 2 spans throughout several coastal counties within the state from Chatham County to Hart County, and goes as far inland as Emanuel, Candler, Bulloch, and Spalding Counties. The Commission’s District 3 includes Montgomery, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wheeler Counties – spreading as far north as Monroe, Jones, and Baldwin Counties to the southern border, and from the southern coast of Bryan, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties to the Georgia/ Alabama Border.
Incumbent District 3 Republican Commissioner Fitz Johnson is running unopposed in the primary election, while four candidates are vying for the democratic candidacy: Dekalb County Energy Expert and Clean Energy Advocate Peter Hubbard, Former State Representative Keisha Sean Waites, Technology Adviser Robert Jones, and former Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Daniel Blackman.
Voting Locations
Early Voting began on Tuesday, May 28, and will be available daily – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. – until Friday, June 13. Two Saturday voting days will also be available from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on May 31 and June 7. Early voting will be held at the following locations: Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Government Annex, located at 251 S. Richardson St. in Mt. Vernon Toombs County: the Toombs County Courthouse, located at 100 Courthouse Square in Lyons Treutlen County: the Treutlen County Government Annex, located at 650 Second Street in Soperton Wheeler County: Wheeler County Board of Elections Office, 16 W. Forest Avenue in Alamo Absentee ballots may be requested until June 6.All absentee ballots must be submitted by 7 p.m. on Election Day ( June 17) to be counted.
For more information about your voter registration or polling locations, visit the Georgia My Voter Page at www.mvp.sos. ga.gov.
