Patrick Sullivan is running to serve as the next Lake County treasurer-tax collector.

Patrick has worked diligently here in Lake County since joining Lake County’s Administrative Office in 2018 as its tax administrator.

During his tenure as tax administrator, he has concentrated on identifying and capturing tax revenue that was not being collected by the prior tax collector.

Those taxes include collecting of the transient occupancy taxes, particularly for AirBNB and VRBO rentals, working to update the cannabis tax program (adapting and revising the program so that it complies with changing regulatory framework), creating a streamlined and regular program to sell tax-defaulted properties, and has worked to establish and develop an investment plan for the county.

He was also admitted to the State Bar of California while working as the tax administrator, and his family lives, works and goes to school here in Lake County.

Prior to joining the Lake County Administrative Office, Patrick worked at the Mendocino County Tax Collector’s Office gaining invaluable experience about the issues and challenges that face small rural counties, particularly a county that has many absentee landowners.

Moving to Lake County was a life choice for many of us, but those of us who are still here are those that have assimilated into and love the Lake County culture.

We don’t need “big city” ideas about how to run government. We see how bad things are in the big cities and counties and don’t need their purported solutions to our issues.

The challenges and issues that surround life in rural America are markedly different from big city issues.

We need thoughtful solutions based on experience, local knowledge and awareness, and a clear commitment to the community and its welfare.

I have known Patrick for a number of years now and have admired his commitment and tenacity. He will make a wonderful treasurer-tax collector for Lake County.

The fact that all of the current county supervisors, as well as many other community leaders, business owners and local individuals have endorsed Patrick speaks for his connection to the Lake County community.

Mary Heare Amodio is an attorney who lives in Lakeport, California.