Joel Anderson for Treasurer-Tax Collector?

East County Supervisor Joel Anderson is mulling a run for county treasurer-tax collector.

Former treasurer-tax collector Dan McAllister left the elected post he’d held for six terms in August, forcing county supervisors to begin a process to appoint someone to fill the post until early 2027.

Before supervisors began publicly interviewing candidates for the interim appointment on Tuesday, the county clerk read a statement from Anderson saying he would recuse himself because he’s considering a bid.

“In fairness to the candidates seeking to be appointed to the treasurer-tax collector position to serve out the remainder of the current term, I do not believe that it would be appropriate for me to participate in the discussion and decision to appoint a candidate to serve in this role,” Anderson wrote in the statement.

If Anderson chooses to run and wins, he’d be leaving his county seat two years before he terms out. His victory would leave a vacancy on the county board and likely trigger a costly special election.

The election would follow a string of special elections following the departures of former supervisors Nora Vargas in 2024 and Nathan Fletcher in 2023. 

In an interview with Voice after the public announcement, Anderson acknowledged he faces a tough decision. The Republican supervisor said he cares about his district’s needs, but he’s intrigued.

Anderson, who once ran for the state Board of Equalization and served in the state legislature, said he has a finance degree and has long had an interest in tax policy. He’s excited about potentially working on tax and fiscal policy at the local level.

The county’s treasurer-tax collector oversees the collection of property, transient occupancy and cannabis taxes, manages county investments and disburses funds to school districts.

“For me, it’s a dream job,” Anderson said.

But before he throws his hat in the ring, Anderson said he’s consulting community leaders about whether to seek the treasurer-tax collector post.

“I haven’t fully decided,” Anderson said. “I have a lot of people to talk to.”

Initially, Anderson said, the feedback has been positive. He has until early next year to decide.

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