2 candidates face off for Rostraver Township tax collector

Democrat Jody Spedaliere is challenging Republican incumbent Patricia Lander in the race for Rostraver Township tax collector.

Tax collectors are responsible for gathering municipal, property and personal taxes, as well as any other taxes and fees levied in a community. They are elected to four-year terms.

Lander

Patricia “Pat” Lander

Lander, who resides in the Fellsburg part of the township, highlighted her experience from her four years as tax collector.

Lander said her top three priorities are good communication with residents, efficient coordination between her office and tax-receiving entities and being present at the office for residents.

“Customer service is 100% my main priority, and I have provided additional options for connecting with me,” Lander said. “I have an email that is also available that comes to my cell phone that I can answer 24/7. I have a voicemail that is also accessible on my phone. I get notified when a voicemail comes in. Not uncommon for me to return a call on a weekend or an evening or even on a holiday when there’s someone very upset about something.”

Spedaliere

Spedaliere has been a Rostraver Township resident for nearly 25 years and lives with his wife, Tamira , and their two children in the Fellsburg area. He works at PennWest California, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Duquesne University.

Spedaliere said his top three priorities would be opening the option for cash payments, increasing availability and setting up a drop box for residents to submit their taxes after hours and weekends.

“First, cash will be accepted once again along with all other forms of payment, making it more practical for taxpayers,” Spedaliere said. “Second, extended office hours during lunch, Thursday evening hours, office open on the Friday of the months when taxes are due and visiting areas of the community twice a year to collect taxes to provide greater accessibility.”