Chuck Barkley vying for Revenue Commissioner spot
On Feb. 7, Chuck Barkley announced qualification to run and will seek election for the position of Marengo County Revenue Commissioner on June 3.
“Born and raised in Marengo County, I am proud to call it home,” Barkley said in his official announcement. “My father is the late Duane Barkley, and my mother is Carolyn Norris Hill, who is married to Richard Hill of Dixon’s Mills. I have two older sisters, Telena Barkley Davidson and Sondra Barkley Hale. I have two children, Brittany (14), and Tanner (11), along with three dogs and one cat. I reside in the Calvary Community (Moss Hill) South of Linden.”
Barkley will be running against incumbent Revenue Commissioner Sharon Barkley, who stepped into the position after the retirement of Bo McAlpine.
“With 20-plus years of business experience and dealing with the public in the financial, real estate and retail realms combined with an extensive technology background, I have the talent and skills necessary to fulfill the job of Revenue Commissioner,” Chuck Barkley said of his credentials. “I am proud to give the citizens of this great county a choice for Revenue Commissioner in this upcoming election. I am qualified for the job.”
Chuck Barkley listed the following as his qualifications for the position.
• Granted first Management position when only 19 years old.
• 13 years of Mortgage Banking Experience. Started own Mortgage Brokerage Firm in South Louisiana in 1998, and developed it into one of the most respected and successful companies of its kind in the area. Assisted thousands with the purchase and financial management of their greatest asset, their homes and property. Worked daily with Tax Assessors in dozens of Louisiana Parishes. Chuck was of only a handful invited to New York to participate at a round table discussion at the New York Stock Exchange on the state of matters in the Mortgage Industry.
• 15 years of Courthouse records research experience, both online and offline.
• 15 years of technology experience includes: mastering use of a multitude of software, managing own IT network, troubleshooting, and software development consulting. Assisted in founding a nationwide, with international exposure, technology company and daily management of same for over three years.
• Currently the Operations Manager for Tutt Land Company. I preside over daily operations of the company as well as other Tutt Entities which include the responsibilities of: agent oversight, compliance, technology management, property management, and the handling of details associated with the listings and sales of thousands of acres across Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. GIS sites of Revenue Commissioners in all three states are utilized on a daily basis.
• Currently the Owner/Founder of The Loft in Linden. I preside over the entire operation. The Loft Home Furnishings was found to become the premier source of pre-owned home furnishings in West Central Alabama, and it has. The store turned a profit on day one. On any given weekend, customers come to Linden, AL from a 7 county area to shop at The Loft.
“I love this great county and all that live in it,” Chuck Barkley said. “Marengo County ‘does’ have great potential. I will bring a strong and creative business mind to the office of Revenue Commissioner. Mediocrity is no longer an option! To not just survive, but also thrive, it is more important than ever to have a leader in this position, one that can think outside the box and push the envelope to get things done. I will go above and beyond the duties of the Revenue Commissioner and work with County leaders, business leaders, citizens, and taxpayers to come up with creative methods to further enhance our great County.”
Of his platforms, Barkley noted:
• I support new and existing recreational, farmland and timberland investors, as I understand the positive economic impact they bring to our County. Extended growth in these areas because of the extra revenue generated can help keep property taxes low.
• I support a Property Tax Reward Card system, a “shop local” program, for when a taxpayer shops at a “participating” local business and makes a purchase, a small percentage of that purchase goes back towards the taxpayer’s end of the year property tax bill. I will conduct a feasibility study once in office to determine its viability. I as a local business owner, myself, would certainly support it.
• I support having an “open door” policy at the Revenue Commissioner’s office for which property taxpayers have an experienced and sound decision maker, information provider, and problem solver that you can come in and talk to any time.
“One of my favorite quotes is: ‘Success happens when preparation meets opportunity.’ I have been preparing for this job all my life, the opportunity is now, and together we can make Marengo County a success story and the shining star of the Black Belt! I encourage you to learn more and follow my campaign by visiting my website: www.chuckbarkley.com , or by liking “CHUCK Barkley for Marengo County Revenue Commissioner” on Facebook. Thank you in advance for your support.”