Candidate Profile: Jillian Guthman For TOH Receiver Of Taxes

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Voters in the Town of Huntington will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their ballots for receiver of taxes, where they will choose from Democrat incumbent Jillian Guthman and Republican challenger Stacy Colamussi.

Patch reached out to all candidates to hear where they stand on important issues affecting the community.

Here are the responses for those who participated. The answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Jillian Guthman, Esq.

• Age (as of Sept. 1, 2019): 49
• Town of Residence: Melville
• Position Sought: Re-election to position of Receiver of Taxes
• Party Affiliation: Democratic, Independence, Working Families
• Family: I am a life-long resident of Huntington. I am a graduate of Huntington High School. I am divorced and the mother of a 13-year-old girl named Zoe who attends West Hollow Middle School. I am one of eight children of Andre and Christine Guthman. My mother is a retired college professor and continues to live in Huntington at age 82. My father was killed during a robbery of his business when I was in 4th grade. I have one sister who still lives in Huntington.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No.
• Education: Bachelor's of Art in Psychology, St. John's University; Juris Doctorate, Touro Law School
• Occupation: Attorney admitted to the NYS Bar in 1995.
• Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Receiver of Taxes, Town of Huntington (November 2017 until present); Director of Human Services, Huntington (2007-November 2017); EEO Officer, Town of Huntington (2007-November 2017); Village Attorney, Hempstead Village (2005-2007); Deputy Town Attorney, Huntington (2003-2005); Assistant Town Attorney/Special Assistant District Attorney (1998-2003); Assistant District Attorney, Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney, (1995-1998).
• Campaign Website: https://www.friendsofjillianguthman.com/

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

"The single most pressing issue facing our residents is the escalating tax burden. Residents are feeling the financial pressure of paying property taxes. With the imposition of the Salt Tax, the financial burden for many residents is even greater. In response, I'm doing presentations and individual consultations to ensure residents are accessing all available property tax exemptions and are informed about property tax grievance options. I am also sharing information with residents regarding the various resources, both private and public, that can assist with challenges, including financial hardship."

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

"The critical difference between my opponent and me is that I have the educational training and experience as an attorney of 24 years to execute the duties of the Receiver of Taxes, a top fiduciary position.

I have led departments and have held positions of leadership in government.

This is not a clerical / record keeping position."

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

"I am committed to the continued advancement of the Tax Office focusing on:

• improving service to our residents.
• increasing office efficiency through cross-training, renegotiating contracts, expediting the processing of payments.
• increasing information shared with community through presentations, written material, and information available online."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"As the current Receiver of Taxes, I am doing the job every day.

• I negotiated a better interest rate for deposited tax dollars.
• I increased the speed of processing tax payments.
• I have conducted seminars on financial frauds, property tax exemptions, the tax grievance process and more.
• I have developed literature on critical topics for residents.
• I serve as a resource referral for residents confronted with various challenges.
• I partnered with NYS Senator Jim Gaughran to help federal workers impacted by the federal government shutdown of 2019.

As the former Director of Human Services for Huntington, I supervised approximately 50 people. I secured grant funding in excess of $3,000,000.

As the Deputy Town Attorney for Huntington, I handled cases of land use, contract negotiation, labor matters, code enforcement and personal injury. Supervised staff.

As lead attorney for Hempstead Village, I restructured their legal department saving the Village approximately $500,000 per year.

As an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, I prosecuted theft and fraud. I am an effective manager and can use my training to reduce risk of loss."

The best advice ever shared with me was...

"The best advice ever shared with me was to work hard. As a young child, my parents guided me and my seven siblings in the value of hard work. My father was a tremendous example of that principle. Although his life ended when I was in 4th grade during a robbery of his business where he was shot and killed, the example of dedicated work ethic could not have been stronger."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

"I love Huntington. I love serving this community. I see public service as a privilege. I am fiscally prudent and able to do more with less. I am excited about giving back to the community that I have called home my entire life."