Tax Collector:
BONNIE WALKER
The subject here: Bonnie Walker, a Roxbury resident for more than 50 years.
The questions: Why is she running? Who asked her? Why did she say yes? And what has she learned along the way?
Roxbury is lucky: Their Tax Collector is Bonnie E. Walker, and she is stepping up to do another term.
First things first: What is the job—and what isn’t it?
Many people confuse the Tax Collector with the Tax Assessor. The assessor sets property values. The tax collector takes it from there: mailing property tax bills in January, making sure instructions are clear, receiving payments, recording them, depositing funds, sending receipts, and reporting to the town supervisor. The tax collector also follows up on late payments and coordinates results with the county. More than record-keeping, it’s also highly important customer service work. And that’s where Bonnie shines.
Why would someone shine in customer service work?
Because residents don’t just pay bills. They call with questions, they get frustrated, they need guidance, they don’t know how to find things on the internet. Realtors, lenders, and title companies need information too—but it’s working with Roxbury taxpayers where her skills really come through—listening! And having the patience to teach new methods, find answers to questions people don’t always know how to ask. Bonnie is kind, and clear on the phone or at the desk in the Town Hall. As one resident put it, you need “smart skills, humor, and almost a Buddha-like nature.” Bonnie brings all of that—and it’s just the beginning—there’s more.
What is Bonnie Walker’s backstory?
Bonnie and her family have been woven into the fabric of Roxbury for decades. Many know her from The Pink Elephant Preschool, her small business teaching and caring for children, now grown adults she delights in seeing around town. Others know her as a vegetable farmer from her early years here, or from 40 years as Beaverdam Builders’ business planner and bookkeeper for husband Steve’s contracting business. Her three sons all graduated from Roxbury Central School, where Bonnie herself served on the board for 15 years. Steve also served several terms on the Town Council, and Bonnie directed the Community Aide Fund/Roxbury Food Pantry. The whole family has been a familiar sight working to support not for profit organizations. In short: this is a family that participates and shows up for the people and concerns of Roxbury.
Why Bonnie decided to run?
Six years ago, neighbors encouraged Bonnie to take on the role of Tax Collector as she was winding down other professional work. She said yes—and was thrown immediately into a baptism by fire. A new federal tax policy had just been enacted, and confusion was everywhere. Within three days, she fielded more than 150 calls from anxious taxpayers. She learned the ins and outs of the new law practically overnight and returned every call with clear, calm explanations. It was trial by fire, but Bonnie came out of it respected as a steady hand who could be trusted with people’s questions—and their frustrations.
What has she learned about Roxbury through this work?
Bonnie says it’s not just about numbers; it’s about people. She remembers helping older residents discover that tax information could be found online—something they never knew they could do. She recalls the pain of a newly widowed resident, suddenly responsible for paying taxes for the first time. In those moments, Bonnie doesn’t just provide information, she’s a sleuth for finding out what else a person needs to know that will help, and how she can best meet that. As she says, “it’s about listening first, then helping.”
How do others see her?
“Bonnie takes the time to make sure residents understand their tax bills, and she’s always a pleasure to work with. She has the skills, knowledge, and experience we need.” — Judith Maguire, Roxbury
“Bonnie understands the values and needs of our town because they are her own. With Bonnie Walker as Tax Collector, we know the job will be done right—and done with heart.” — Robin Factor, Roxbury
So why vote for Bonnie Walker?
Because she needs your vote and Roxbury needs a Tax Collector who knows the work, knows the people, and knows how to treat them. Bonnie Walker has proven she can handle the technical side with skill and the human side with warmth. That combination is rare—and Roxbury is lucky to have it.
Pay attention this November: Vote.