I am running for the Town of Bethel Tax Collector position as a write-in candidate. This position is one that I have considered running for in the past, although I had not taken the steps to officially get on the ballot. After learning that the current Town of Bethel Tax Collector resigned from her position (effective August 30) I decided to run as a write-in candidate as it was too late for me to get on the ballot. Even though it is very hard to win as a write-in candidate, it is not impossible.

I was raised on the Brown family dairy farm in western Bethel. I graduated from then Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School (now Sullivan West). After graduating from the University of Scranton in 1979 with a B.S. in accounting, I began the first part of my professional career working with Price-Waterhouse-Coopers (the international accounting firm). I became a C.P.A. and after 24 years working with Price-Waterhouse-Coopers and then Arthur Andersen, I started my own income tax practice in 2000. I moved back home to the family farm in 2003 and I reside on Pucky Huddle Road with my husband Ray.

I have been a member of the Town of Bethel Planning Board for more than 12 years. I have been active with the Sullivan County Renaissance. I play the organ at the Kenoza Lake United Methodist Church and write a news column for a local newspaper.

I believe that the Town of Bethel voters should have a choice on Election Day. Therefore, I am asking you to write in my name, Susan L Brown, in the very small box, on the bottom right hand side of the ballot. Note: It is imperative that you write within the small box.

Thank you very much for your support.