Bruner seeks Stafford Commissioner of the Revenue, promises improved accessibility

Lorena Bruner is running for Commissioner of the Revenue for Stafford, with a focus on enabling accessibility for all Stafford citizens by utilizing new technology. The seat is currently held by Scott Mayausky.

Name: Lorena Bruner

Party: Democrat

Town: Stafford

Running for: Commissioner of the Revenue-Stafford County

Website: bruner4revenuecommissioner.weebly.com, Facebook

Work: Account Manager, Business Entrepreuner and Consultant/Graduate Student of Kreiger School of Arts and Sciences/Johns Hopkins University

Education: Strayer University/Completed BSBA with Minor in Human Resource Mgmt/Johns Hopkins University-MBA Graduate Certificate in Minority Leadership and Management/Johns Hopkins University-Graduate Student of Dual Degree Program: MA in Government/MBA

Community Involvement: Ex-POSE-( Ex-Partners of Service Members for Equality) Member-counseling and helping former military spouse and children gain military benefits through divorce-15 plus years. Fredericksburg, VA Branch President and Member of AAUW, ( American Association of University Women), for 2 year Term. Virginia State VP of Public Policy/Board Member of AAUW (American Association of University Women) for 2 year Term. Member of Virginia League of Women Voters, Member of the Society of Human Resource Management- 7 years, and Member of Ebenezer UMC of Stafford Virginia for more than 25 years along with community volunteerism.

Questions and Answers

PL: What are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? 

Bruner: 1) Ensure Assessment Process Accessibility – to our neighbors of all literacy, language and disability levels through updated computer system, and written hand brochures and materials.
2)Support Military Retired Veterans with provisions for exemptions in local property tax.
3) To assure that the Stafford Citizens receive current updates on the website of local and federal laws that apply to them through the Commissioner of revenue’s Office, such as the Master Barber and Cosmetology regulatory Law which went into effect on April 1, 2019.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?

Bruner: 1) In addition to the updated website, make sure that there is an option for information that’s online to be available in written material form as well as in Spanish and other literacy forms.
2)To research what can be done to extend provisions for exemptions for Military Retired Veterans.
3) Keeping up to date on current laws and make sure they are provided on the website as they apply to Stafford County citizens.

PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Bruner: To work at the pleasure of the citizens of Stafford County… in other words to provide information, access, and understanding of information as it applies to each Stafford County citizen’s needs with regards to their individual property taxes, their assessment of their taxes and an explanation of how this information may apply to creating and /or running one’s own business needs, per the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office.

PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?

Bruner: My background in counseling in higher education and business background and service on military installations with veterans and military members, as a volunteer in the fields of military family law, public policy and equality on Capital Hill, business experience working as an Account Manager and volunteer community service with families in Stafford Community.

PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of local government?

Bruner: I know for a fact that the average citizen is NOT well-informed and does not understand the workings of local government, because when I talk to them about running for office, I am often asked what does the Commissioner of Revenue do as well as what is the role of the Supervisors in Stafford County and can they help the individual citizen and their concerns, regarding property taxes as well as other decisions largely made by district supervisors.

I intend on working towards communicating and ensuring accessibility and transparency to our neighbors at all literacy, language and disability levels including updated computer software and providing updates on the website, along with providing access to materials/paperwork on hand,that’s important for the public on a regular basis. Thus informing the citizens of new laws and provisions that apply to community, giving the access to information provided through the office of The Commissioner of the Revenue.

PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?

Bruner: No I haven’t made any major mistakes in public life. Privately everyone makes mistakes…that’s a part of being human and also how we can learn to be better for our future as well as working towards a better future for those around us.

PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?

Bruner: Our citizens of Stafford County are looking for leaders in local government who have not just lived in the community with their families, but someone who have experienced many of their same frustrations and is willing to take the time to listen to their concerns and work towards creating a better government that cares about them and their needs on an individual basis. As someone who has experienced living and working in Stafford County and the nearby military community for over 25 years, raised five children in Stafford County Public School System and worked with disadvantaged families through higher education and one of the largest churches in the community, I am one who has experienced many of your concerns and frustrations from our government and I ask that you work together with me so that we can solutions to help our community become a more comfortable and better environment in which to live in.