Q&A with Sherman Holland and Douglas Walker

Sherman Holland is a native Roanoker and a product of the Roanoke City School system.  He graduated from Roanoke College and has worked in the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office for over 28 years, the last 12 as Commissioner.  In 2005, a news report said his office wasn’t effectively performing its duties and was losing as much as $500,000 to $1 million a year in tax revenue and that there were over 500 businesses that did not pay the city’s business, professional and occupational license tax. Holland has stated that most of those businesses are inactive or likely have gross revenues of less than $100,000, meaning they’re subject only to a $50 flat tax.  He insists his office is performing its fiduciary responsibilities.

Douglas Walker was born in Rocky Mount, NC and returned to the area in 1988.  He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  After graduation, he joined the E & J Gallo Winery Management Development Program, where he rose to the position of District Manager in a short time.

Walker then decided to switch careers and went to Munich, Germany where he graduated from the BMW Dealer School, returned to Lynchburg and joined The Hammersley Group, where he became General Manager.  He and his wife Brittany, owner of two dogs, live in the Roanoke Valley.

Walker  decided to run for office because he feels the City of Roanoke needs a better business plan to ensure fair taxation.  He promises to audit and penalize any business in the city without a business license, and welcomes annual audits of the commissioner’s office.

Questions & Answers

1.  What is your party affiliation?

HOLLAND: Democrat

WALKER: Republican

2.  Are you a fiscal conservative; do you manage money well?

HOLLAND:  Yes, I bill $112 million of revenue with an operating budget of less than ½ of 1% for the Commissioner of the Revenue office

WALKER:  I am a fiscal conservative.  I have been responsible for business plans and budgets throughout my professional career and my colleagues consider me to be an excellent money manager

3.  Have you made any campaign promises, something you will absolutely stick to?

HOLLAND:  Fair, consistent, firm (not over intrusive) assessment of taxation and promise to use the NADA valuation book and assess values for vehicles based on lowest loan value

WALKER:  Yes, the Commissioner’s office desperately needs to be audited, something my opponent refuses.  In my first 30 days in office, I will have a plan for a comprehensive audit of all of our records and procedures

4.  How old are you?

HOLLAND:  56

WALKER:  33

5.  Name two good reasons people should vote for you.

HOLLAND:  My office has been audited yearly by the Commonwealth of Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts and found to be in full compliance.  I am a native City of Roanoke resident and have served in this City for over 40 years in various organizations

WALKER:  I have the desire to work hard and do an excellent job.  I have real world business experience that our current Commissioner does not have, and that is seriously lacking in our municipal building

6.  How does your work background qualify you for this position?

HOLLAND:  I have worked in the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office for over 28 years, with 12 years as Commissioner of the Revenue.  I proudly served my country as a Finance Specialist with the U.S. Army whereby I received the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service

WALKER:  Before running for office, I was General Manager of The Hammersley Group.  My duties included financial statements and business plans for all aspects of our business.  Our current Commissioner has no plan for his office; this is a recipe for failure

7.  Name three major endorsements.

HOLLAND:  Jerome Howard, former Commissioner of the Revenue, Clifton “Chip” Woodrum II, former Virginia House Delegate and Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home, Inc.

WALKER:  Bev Fitzpatrick, former Vice Mayor and City Councilman, Brenda McDaniel, former City Councilwoman and William Fralin, Delegate

8.  How long have you lived in your district?

HOLLAND:  All of my life

WALKER:  I have lived in the Roanoke Valley for six years

9.  Who do you admire?

HOLLAND:  My father and mother

WALKER:  Politicians who stand up for what is right, regardless of party affiliation

10.  Did you vote in the last four elections and primaries?

HOLLAND:  Yes, and proudly voting in all City of Roanoke elections since the age of 18 years old

WALKER:  Yes, to the best of my recollection

11.  Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?

HOLLAND:  Myrtle Beach

WALKER:  Outer Banks, North Carolina

12.  What do you consider your best accomplishment in life so far?

HOLLAND:  My devoted wife, Vivian, and I raising our two sons together

WALKER:  Personally – my marriage.  Professionally – my responsibility with The Hammersley Group and our ultimate success in selling the business despite the difficult economic conditions

13.  What is the last book you have read?

HOLLAND:  Bible

WALKER:  How To Win a Local Election

14.  Do you owe any back taxes?

HOLLAND:  No

WALKER:  No

15.  How did you meet your spouse?

HOLLAND:  Introduced by Rev. James Beatty

WALKER:  We met while working for The Hammersley Group in Lynchburg