DATE: Wednesday, November 5, 1997           TAG: 9711050466

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A3E  EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JOHN MURPHY, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   49 lines

BEACH ELECTS KELLAM REVENUE COMMISSIONER

Shorter lines, satellite offices, Internet service, seminars, and easier access to tax information.

It will not be the commissioner of revenue office you once knew.

In a race that became a debate over how to best improve customer service, Philip J. Kellam, a Democrat, easily claimed victory over Republican Rickie L. Richards.

The election win returns the Kellam family to political prominence in a city it helped build.

``I feel good,'' Kellam said Tuesday night. ``I had a wonderful support base and a good message that the public appreciated. I will treat citizens as valued customers.''

Kellam promised to begin with the following priorities when he takes office in January:

An online data link that will provide 24-hour access to detailed tax information maintained by the Commissioner of Revenue.

A satellite office providing tax information in recreation centers, libraries and schools.

House calls for the elderly and infirm.

Lobbying the General Assembly and City Council to eliminate the personal property tax.

Kellam said he plans to pay for these expanded services with savings achieved through staff attrition.

Francis Metheny said Kellam's reputation helped win her vote.

``I've heard he has the experience and is very honest and conscientious,'' she said.

The commissioner of revenue's primary task is to fairly assess the value of personal property, such as cars, boats and business equipment.

Kellam is a 14-year veteran of the office.

He spent more than $118,000, according to his latest financial report. Richards spent more than $49,000, according his reports. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Kellam

Graphic

KELLAM 53%

RICHARDS 47% KEYWORDS: ELECTION VIRGINIA RESULTS VIRGINIA

BEACH COMMISIONER OF THE REVENUE RACE

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