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Belden easily beats newcomer for 4th term as Hillsborough tax collector

By Dong-Phuong Nguyen, Times staff writer
In print: Wednesday, November 5, 2008

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TAMPA — Doug Belden, Hills­borough County's tax collector since 1996, snagged his fourth straight term Tuesday night in an overwhelming victory over a political newcomer.

With a majority of precincts counted, Belden was winning by an almost 3-to-1 margin over Beverly P. Harris, a credit union title specialist from Wimauma making her first run for public office.

"I'm very thankful and grateful for the voters for having confidence in me and my office," said Belden, who watched the results at his Harbour Island home with his 17-year-old son, neighbors and State Attorney Mark Ober. "I've got a lot more to accomplish.

Belden, 54, oversees about 300 workers who perform tasks including collecting property taxes for every local government agency with the power to levy taxes; and managing local revenue programs that issue occupational licenses and collect tourist development fees.

Belden developed a Web site with electronic payment capabilities and decreased customer wait times. This year, he became the first tax collector in the state to win the Governor's Sterling Award. He said his next goal is to win the Malcolm Baldrige Award for national excellence.

Belden hopes to offer additional services such as driving records and passports and holding property tax education seminars through homeowner associations.

Harris, 50, once worked for the Tax Collector's Office but resigned over what she considered poor morale issues. "If Hills­borough County wants to keep him in office, good luck to them," she said. "It's the voter's choice."

Dong-Phuong Nguyen can be reached at (813)269-5312 or nguyen@sptimes.com.