Last week Gene Goode qualified to run as Tax Commissioner for Tift County. Goode will be the Democratic incumbent running against Republican challenger Jo Ann Spicer.

Goode took office as tax commissioner Jan. 1, 1997. “This is my fourth election coming up,” Goode said. “I’ve been doing this for almost 12 years.”

Good said, “The first time I ran on promises; now I can run on my record.”

He said his primary job is to collect taxes and keep good records. “I’m pretty good at collections,” he said. “Except for some years when I collected 100 percent of the taxes, I have all the other years collected 99.9 percent.”

Another of Goode’s duties has been to get the tax digest approved. The tax information is collected from the assessor’s office, compiled and taken to Atlanta to be reviewed by the revenue department. “I’ve never been disapproved,” Goode said, “although some counties have been.”

Goode said he does not have anything to do with setting the value of the property that is taxed or setting the millage rate. “All I do is collect the money,” he said.

“I love what I am doing,” Goode said. “I like talking to people. I want everyone treated the same — and I get upset if they are not. Customer service is No. 1 on our list.”

Goode said he has always worked with people who have trouble paying their taxes. “We do what we can without stepping over the line,” he said.

Goode has been married to Bo Goode for 51 years. They have four sons: Patrick, who is in the insurance business in Atlanta; Chris, who works with UPS in Macon; Roger, who works at Robins Air Force Base in Macon; and Don, who works in county government in Crystal River, Fla. They have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Goode and his wife both attend New River Baptist Church.

Since taking office, Goode has always been the first person in the county to pay his taxes. “Someone tried to beat me out one time,” he said.

“I know my job,” Goode said. “I would like to continue doing it.”

To contact reporter Jana Cone, call 382-4321, ext. 208.