JP To Run For Crawford County Tax Assessor [Times Record, Fort Smith, Ark.]

Feb. 24--Christi Haught will run for Crawford County tax assessor, according to a news release.

Haught, 35 and a Republican, is currently serving her third term as justice of the peace representing District 11.

She will face incumbent assessor Ronnie Dale, who is seeking a second term, in the party primary on May 22. The assessor serves two-year terms, and the salary is $44,560.

Haught has more than 14 years of experience in real and personal property valuation, the release states. She was office manager for Ron Haught'sState Farm Insurance in Alma and has served as an agent for Nationwide Insurance and DC Capital Insurance Service Inc. She is a co-owner of Capital Field Services Inc.

"During this time of a struggling economy and declining property values, it is more important than ever to have professional, accurate assessments on file for property owners," Haught stated. "The citizens of Crawford County can be certain that my office will be courteous, professional and helpful to all citizens. We will make assessment for real estate and vehicle registration quick and painless. I will be in my office every day to make sure the taxpayers are getting the service they deserve."

If elected, one of the first issues she plans to examine is whether personnel are being used in the most efficient manner possible, Haught said.

"As a member of the Quorum Court Budget Committee, I know how important it is for us to make sure all county offices are being run on a tight budget. As an active member of the personnel and past grievance committees, I understand the issues that can arise from inefficient record-keeping, and I make it my duty to see that proper protocol is followed with all office staff."

A lifelong resident of Crawford County, Haught lives in Alma with her son, Grant.

She has been a member of First Baptist Church of Alma for more than 20 years.

She is a founding board member and past board vice president of the Alma Area Boys and Girls Club and an ex-officio board member of the Alma Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves as Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow chairman and course moderator for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Western Arkansas as well as treasurer of the Crawford County Republican Committee.

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