In Virginia, Commissioners of Revenue are elected for four-year terms and serve as chiefs of taxation. Edna Trent Goldman, the incumbent, and Crystal M. Hensley are the two candidates seeking to serve as Commissioner of Revenue for Prince Edward County.

Goldman was elected in 2019 and is seeking a second term. Hensley has been an employee in Prince Edward and Dinwiddie Commissioner of Revenue offices. Goldman and Hensley were the only candidates certified by the Virginia Department of Elections, though voters can write in other candidates’ names if they choose.

Charlottesville Tomorrow designed a questionnaire based on over 200 responses we received to a voter survey. The candidates answered these questions by email in August. We listed their answers in the order we received them.

Can you explain what the job of commissioner of revenue is and why you are running?

Crystal M. Hensley: The Commissioner of the Revenue serves as the chief tax assessor of the County for personal property and real estate taxes. I am running to serve the tax payers of the county to ensure they receive the best customer service possible. Part of being more efficient is implementing more modern practices with technology and using computer programs to increase productivity.

Edna Trent Goldman: The Commissioner of the Revenue is responsible for maintaining real estate ownership records, assessing all personal property and the qualifying of vehicles entitled to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act, and overseeing the filing process of the Virginia State Income Tax of Prince Edward County residents.

This is the only Commissioner of Revenue race contested in central Virginia this year. Why do you think that is?

Hensley: I believe there are many unhappy taxpayers in the county with the service provided and the inefficiency in the office when it comes to things like getting bills out on time.

Goldman: I am still forming an opinion.

What do you think are the biggest technical improvements that need to be made to assess and collect taxes?

Hensley: Electronic filing, file by exception, to more efficiently help with the assessments of personal property. Ensure bills are issued in a timely manner by working diligently with the treasurer’s office.

Goldman: Updated computer systems.

Do you have any certifications or qualifications for this position that you want voters to know about?

Hensley: I have worked in the Commissioners Office for five years, I am currently in Dinwiddie County, where I have had the chance to work with programs I believe could help Prince Edward move in a positive direction and satisfy tax payers. I am seeking to become a master deputy through the Commissioner of the Revenue Association of Virginia. My goals are the following: Provide excellent customer service; provide timely service for billing; have more efficiency in the office; hear citizen concerns; work for everyone in the county

Goldman: Membership of Virginia Association of Assessing Officers, Virginia Association of Commissioners of the Revenue, Virginia Association of Local Elected Constitutional Officers.  A desire to serve people with respect, concern and quality.

More about Prince Edward County’s Commissioner of Revenue

• Edna Trent Goldman spoke with the Farmville Herald about seeking re-election
• Crystal M. Hensley spoke with the Farmville Herald when she announced her candidacy
• Edna Trent Goldman’s campaign contributions from Virginia Public Access Project
• Crystal M. Hensley’s campaign contributions from Virginia Public Access Project

As you get ready to vote, here are some key dates and links from the Virginia Department of Elections:

• Sept. 22: First day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office.
• Oct. 16: Deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration. You can also register after this date, and on election day, but you will vote with a provisional ballot, could take longer for officials to count because they will verify your eligibility.
• Oct. 27: Deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you. Your request must be received by your local registrar by 5:00 p.m.
• Oct. 28: Voter registration offices open for early voting.
• Nov. 4: The last day of in-person early voting at your registrar.
• Nov. 7: Election Day

Need to know if you’re eligible to vote? Here are resources from the Virginia Department of Elections.