Savannah Tribune: Sonya L. Jackson Takes Office (2021)

Sonya graduated from Savannah High School and Savannah State University.

As of May 3, 2024, Sonya Larose Jackson did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Sonya Larose Jackson is currently the Tax Commissioner in Chatham County, where she has been since 2021 and is serving her first term.

As tax commissioner, she opened satellite offices in Port Wentworth and on Wilmington Island to bring more services to areas.

Implemented a new appointment system, created separate processes to handle auto tag requests for car dealerships, and added new self-serve Georgia Tag Renewal Kiosks at Kroger locations, which have reduced the average wait time at local tax offices.

Launched curbside service at the Eisenhower Drive office and established a Customer Call Center.

Added online updates about wait times at each Chatham County Tax Commissioner Office location to the office’s website.

- As tax commissioner, she opened satellite offices in Port Wentworth and on Wilmington Island to bring more services to areas.
- Implemented a new appointment system, created separate processes to handle auto tag requests for car dealerships, and added new self-serve Georgia Tag Renewal Kiosks at Kroger locations, which have reduced the average wait time at local tax offices.
- Launched curbside service at the Eisenhower Drive office and established a Customer Call Center.
- Added online updates about wait times at each Chatham County Tax Commissioner Office location to the office’s website.

Administration

Sonya Larose Jackson

Facebook

Kimberly earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Strayer University. She lives with her husband, Michael, and their five children in Savannah, Georgia. She serves as the Pastor of Praise and Worship at New Vision Outreach Ministries International. 

Kimberly has 25 years of experience working for the Tax Commissioner's office and has held several upper management positions during that time. She is additionally an entrepreneur and small business owner. 

Ballotpedia: Kimberly E. Gadsden

Kimberly Gadsden's campaign for Tax Commissioner is her first run for public office.

Candidate website

Said, "I have nothing to hide. I intend to earn the trust of the citizens of Chatham county. It is my intent to be available and engage with the taxpayers and citizens of Chatham County."

Promises to be transparent, to earn the trust of citizens, and to be available and engaged with constituents. 

Said, "I believe the best customer service experience starts with the best employee... I plan to treat each employee with respect and dignity... I will continually assure of their value in the organization, and that they matter and will be heard."

Promises to treat each employee with respect and dignity.

Said, "I believe communication is key when it comes to working with the Tax Commissioner staff. I am not an expert in all things; therefore, I am humble and smart enough to lean on the experience"

Said, "I am not an expert in all things; therefore, I am humble and smart enough to lean on the experience of my staff."

Promises to prioritize the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees.

Promises to be accountable for her actions.

Deeply informed by Christian faith, both personally and professionally.

- Promises to be transparent, to earn the trust of citizens, and to be available and engaged with constituents. 
- Promises to treat each employee with respect and dignity.
- Said, "I am not an expert in all things; therefore, I am humble and smart enough to lean on the experience of my staff."
- Promises to prioritize the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees.
- Promises to be accountable for her actions.
- Deeply informed by Christian faith, both personally and professionally.

Instagram

Kimberly E Gadsden

Tax Commissioners are elected at the county level, and their job is to oversee most phases of the taxing process. These responsibilities include billing, collecting, processing, and distributing taxes. They are generally in charge of property taxes, solid waste fees, public utilities, and renewing your vehicle tag. Notably, the Tax Commissioner does not determine how much taxes you pay. Because taxes are a source of revenue for counties, the tax commissioners’ work is ultimately beneficial to individual cities, education, transportation, and other local services. In addition to administering tax laws, the department is responsible for enforcing laws and  regulations pertaining to the control of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in Georgia as well as motor vehicle license plate and title administration.