Former tax collectors Diane Nelson and Fred Petty back Joyell Bobala for their old job

Former Pinellas County Tax Collectors Diane Nelson and Fred Petty are endorsing Joyell Bobala for Pinellas County Tax Collector, the pair announced Tuesday.

Bobala is a 21-year veteran of the tax collector’s office and is running against incumbent Charles W. Thomas in the Republican primary Aug. 18.

“As your former Pinellas County Tax Collector, I am endorsing Joyell Hope Bobala as your next tax collector,” said Nelson, who held the office for 16 years from 2000 to 2016. “I have known Joyell for over 20 years. She has been a dedicated employee of the tax collector’s office and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of the office. I believe Joyell will provide the positive growth needed to bring back the superior customer service, which declined in recent years.”

“She will be fiscally responsible by reducing tax waste by allocating tax dollars appropriately, managing them efficiently, and being more present in the office.  I think it is imperative to expose the misinformation the current tax collector is stating in his campaign emails, in which he states he wants to continue his mission to lower taxes,” she added, noting a tax collector’s duty is to collect and distribute taxes, not to control the tax rate.

“If you do not understand the duties of your office, it is time for a change. Joyell Bobala is the right person to bring about the positive changes needed to improve the services offered to benefit our citizens of Pinellas County.”

Petty doubled down on Thomas’ calls for lower taxes in campaign emails to supporters.

“I believe he is misleading the public,” said Petty, who served as Pinellas County Tax Collector from 1993 to 2000. “As tax collector, you have a responsibility to your citizens. It is the property appraiser who places a value on properties, and it is the tax authorities who decide on the mileage rate, not the tax collector.

The winner of the Republican primary will take on Democrat Joseph Saportas and write-in candidate Dan Dahlberg in November.

“I am truly grateful for Diane Nelson’s support,” Bobala said. “Diane has always had a futuristic vision, something I have always admired and plan to emulate if elected as our next tax collector. Her passion and high standard of customer service is one to be followed.”

Bobala is the only candidate hoping to unseat Thomas who is raising significant funds, but she still trails. She’s raised more than $13,000, but Thomas has banked more than $61,000. Neither Saportas nor Dahlberg have reported any fundraising.