Photo courtesy Moran campaign.

For the first time in 40 years, Sarasota County will swear it a new Tax Collector. Republican Mike Moran, a term-limited Sarasota County Commissioner, defeated Democratic incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates.

So what will be Moran’s priorities as he takes the lead at the county office?

“I believe strongly that any organization whether they are government or private sector should strive to be better,” Moran said.

Moran for the last eight years served on the Sarasota County Commission, elected once at-large and later in a single-member district. In that role, he has served on the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, and before serving on the commission, he was part of the Sarasota County Planning Commission. He also served on the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

But he also stressed his work in the private sector. He’s a Realtor, and before moving to Sarasota in 2002, he and wife Lori ran a payroll, tax filing and insurance firm for 30 years. He said that gives him the financial literacy to serve in the office well.

“I have started, owned, and operated a number of companies with hundreds of employees that specialized in high transaction, complicated tax services,” he said. This along with my public service experience is a natural fit for the position of Tax Collector for Sarasota County.”

Moran also is the executive director for Florida PACE, a public entity that provides financing options for energy-efficient and hurricane-resistant home improvements. Moran, though, has come under fire for operations of that program. Some county tax collectors, including in Pasco County, severed agreements for concern the program was exploiting individuals.

Moran dismissed concerns.

“PACE does not use one penny of Taxpayer money. PACE attracts private investors to Florida to help finance hurricane-hardening property improvements such as windows, doors, roofs, and generators,” he told SRQ before the election.

He now takes over an office that Ford-Coates led since her first countywide election in 1984. But he said he also has experience with leadership transitions. He said that’s about more than just coming in and trying to exert authority, but rather overseeing a smooth transfer of power.

“I have been directly involved in a number of mergers and acquisitions and without exception most creative and good ideas have come from staff, not leadership,” he said.

“I will do a lot of listening and ensure basic, foundational systems and procedures are in place such as modern technology, and ensuring staff are educated, compensated, motivated properly to carry out exceptional customer service for the residents of Sarasota County.”

Photo courtesy Moran campaign.