NATCHEZ — The county tax collector may not set tax rates, but he can make paying them a little less painful.

That’s the thought shared among candidates for the position in the upcoming county elections.

As opposed to the tax assessor, who sets the value of property on which people pay taxes, the tax collector collects, keeps track of and distributes tax money.

Candidate Peter Burns (D) said his experience managing the family store, Burns’ Shoe Store, for 10 years and his nine years in the tax assessor’s office makes him qualified.

“I think I bring the best combination of business experience and public service,” Burns said.

With veteran tax collector Vernona Sanders retiring, the timing was right, Burns said.

“I considered for many years running for public office,” he said. “This is not something I just jumped up and decided to run.”

If elected, Burns said, he would update the technology in the tax collector’s office.

Candidate Glenn Etheridge (D) said he was interested in the office because it allowed him to serve the public without getting into politics.

“It’s not a political job,” Etheridge said. “It’s not like a supervisor or alderman where you’re involved in a decision-making process. It’s more of an accounting business office, and that’s all I’ve ever done.”

Etheridge has managed his family’s business, Etheridge Hardware, since 1978, and that experience prepared him for the job, he said.

“People want a place they can go with competent and courteous staff and good service,” he said. “People realize they’ve got to pay taxes to keep the government going. All we can do is smile and take care of things.”

For Rose Daniel Johnson (D), the key is experience. Johnson has worked as a deputy clerk tax collector in the Adams County collector’s office for 24 years.

“I always enjoyed working with people, and basically, everything that’s done in the office, I can do,” Johnson said. “I know what goes on in the office. I know how to go about finding out if I have a problem.”

Ken Whittington (D) said he wanted to do something for the county, and with a business background running an insurance business for 38 years, he felt he was the man for the job.

“I think my background is useful for running a very successful business,” Whittington said. “Managing an office with several people and handling people’s insurance needs well qualifies me for the office.”

Whittington said he plans to run a friendly business-oriented office with an open door policy.

If elected, Whittington said he would not accept an increase in salary and plans to give some of his salary to local charities.