Greenwich Election 2023 Profile: Heather Smeriglio For Tax Collector

GREENWICH, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Greenwich.

Patch reached out to candidates for local office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Name

Heather Smeriglio

How old will you be as of Election Day?

63

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Cos Cob

What office are you seeking?

Tax Collector

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Certified Tax Collector by the State of CT

What is your occupation?

Tax Collector

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married to husband John 21 years. Children Jack, Jeffrey, Jacob, Sara and Janine.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Tax Collector for past 4 years

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking re-election as Tax Collector, I love my job and helping the residents of Greenwich, I'm a former banker with over 30 years in the industry. I started in the Tax Collectors office in 2013 as an account clerk.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Keeping taxes low for the residents of Greenwich. Continue to keep the collection rate at 99 plus percent.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Continue to do my very best to be fiscally responsible while offering outstanding customer service to all of Greenwich

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Pre-collected 62.4 million in June of 2023 before the July 1st due date. Consistently have had a 99-plus collection rate. Hired new online provider to lower service fees for residents for online payments. Brought in over 2 million in back taxes by employing new collection agency. Offered extended office hours for the first time ever including Saturdays to offer more convenience for taxpayers.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Ask myself this question every morning: "Who can I help today?"

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was elected as President of the Fairfield County Tax Collectors Association in October of 2022. I am honored to represent my hometown in this new role. My priority has always been to offer the best possible customer service to our residents. I am thankful for my position with the Town and look forward to serving for another term. My motto is Service Above Self and I thank God for the ability to serve Greenwich. God bless you and God bless America.