Hotz to challenge Miller in Sebastian County Treasurer race

Two Sebastian County department heads will be challenging each other in the race for County Treasurer/Collector now that Sebastian County Human Resources Director Steve Hotz has announced he would challenge incumbent Judith Miller in the May Republican primary.

In an e-mail to The City Wire Friday (Feb. 14), Hotz said he was running for the office in an attempt to save taxpayers money and make the office more efficient, adding that his perch in the human resources office has allowed him to see changes he would like to make to the office.

“Working at the Sebastian County Courthouse these past 2 ½ years has opened my eyes to areas of improvement I know I can bring to this office," he said. "I will bring my experience to the table and review all procedures to see what works well, and what can be improved. I will make every effort to make this office efficient and convenient to Sebastian County residents and businesses, and make sure extra effort is given with regard to helping our veterans receive the services and privileges they have earned. (Taxpayers) can also count on me to keep an accurate and detailed account of all county receipts and disbursements while investing tax revenues in a conservative fashion.”

Miller, who has been engaged in a long-standing dispute with Sebastian County Judge David Hudson over software issues in her office and the judge's office, announced her re-election in January.

At the time, Miller said she was running for re-election based on her achievements since taking office in 2009. Her campaign highlighted what it said were some of those accomplishments.

"Miller has introduced some innovative (ways) to make the Treasurer/Collector's office more efficient and convenient in its service to the public. The Collector's office offers partial payments, online payments, or Smartphone applications for taxpayers. Taxpayers can view their statement on line plus their receipts. Miller has updated the Treasurer's and Collector's software to make communication with the taxpayer easier and keep the offices up on the latest technology."

Arkansas' primary election is set for May 20.