Virginia Political News
Newport News: Former Staffer Runs For Commissioner Of The Revenue
Five years ago Tiffany Boyle was an Accounting Technician for the Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue, analyzing applications for the classification and issuance of business professional and occupational licenses.
During her tenure, she said she noticed low morale among her coworkers, a lack of new ideas on how to serve the citizens, and how the agency’s customers grumbled to the media about the lack of adequate customer service.
Boyle left that job and sought and acquired a Master’s Degree and launched Emerge the Magazine in 2011 with the focus of promoting entrepreneurs and cultural events, among other interests.
After receiving encouragement from friends, family and people, in general, who believed a change was needed, Boyle ran in the June 13 Democratic primary for Commissioner of the Office of Revenue against incumbent Dava Kauffman, once her supervisor, and she won.
Doyle tallied 7,433 votes (62.14 percent) to Kauffman’s 4,528 votes (37.86 percent). She said she received support from a cross section of the city’s voter demography.
Now in the November General Election, she will face Independent candidate Donald Woodruff , who like Boyle, is seeking political office for the first time. No Republican has filed.
Born in Miami, Doyle’s father who served in the Air Force saw duty at various posts overseas, before being stationed at Langley Air Force Base 20 years ago.
Boyle, who calls Newport News home now, said she is seeking to build on the momentum and interest in her campaign generated during her Primary run for the final push toward election day in early November.
She is energizing a campaign operation, lining up support form local pols and business leaders, knocking on doors and making appearances at various events and venues to elevate her profile and message.
She said she has received support from U.S. Congressman Robert Scott of the 3rd District which covers Newport News; members of the school board; Council members Sharon Scott and Marcellus Harris, Jr., and others.
She has also received support from local business leaders and other civic and social groups.
“I have received support from a cross section people, “ said Boyle. “I have learned that people separate themselves by race and culture. But we can also come together to be one Newport News on so many issues. I love politics because it helps me attain a position where I can help people.”
Boyle said she has three goals she wants to achieve quickly.
She said that her tenure at the office years ago gave her insight on changes she would like to impose to enable it to “serve the people better.”
Boyle said she would like to meet each of the staff members and talk to them to “build morale” among the current staff so it will “be more productive.
Secondly, she wants to be more innovative, by using more technology and revamp the services and customers service to enable staff to serve the city more efficiently.
She would educate working class and elderly residents about real estate discount programs available to them to ease their tax burdens.
Also, she would like to create a committee of business owners tasked with devising ideas and programs to better serve Newport News businesses at all levels.
Boyle said she would create a workshop to help coordinate communications and missions with other city and state departments.
Currently, Boyle is a Technical Sales and Product Development Specialist for Newport News Industrial implementing product sales methodology. “I like thinking out the box and new ideas,” said Boyle, who is 34 and has a 12-year-old daughter. “We had God and the people on our side. The people wanted change, and they believe that I can bring that to the city.”
By Leonard E. Colvin
Chief Reporter
