Residents in Hampton will have a new commissioner of revenue after interim commissioner Karen Bever opted not to run for election.
In January, then-commissioner Ross Mugler retired after more than three decades in the position. He had served in the role since 1992. The commissioner of revenue has responsibilities including registering and assessing personal property, administering business taxes and administering public service corporation taxes.
Michael Harris, a Democrat, is running unopposed.
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Michael Harris
Age: 41
Employment: Principal attorney at Michael A. Harris Law, PLLC
Education: Juris Doctor, Regent University School of Law
Military service: Navy
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: Harrisforthecommissioner.com
What would be your top priority if elected to office?
The office has made great strides in allowing citizens and business owners to file personal, business personal property taxes and renew business licenses online. My goal is to build on this by making these platforms even more user-friendly. I will work to streamline the payment, submission, and renewal processes while providing explainable templates. I want to make the application process for licenses more intuitive. By providing clearer instructions and information, we can help ensure that filings are accurate the first time. This will free up our dedicated staff to focus on more complex cases, offering citizens and business owners the support they need. Second, by making Hampton an even more business-friendly city, we’ll help foster growth and increase revenue, all while providing better service to our community. We will be a model of efficiency, accessibility, and transparency.
What relief efforts would you support for taxpayers who are facing financial hardship?
As a business owner, I understand that there are times when financial hardship makes it difficult to meet certain obligations. If elected, I will be committed to supporting relief efforts that are fair, responsible, and focused on long-term sustainability. I will work with business owners and individuals to develop practical solutions that provide the support they need while ensuring that the statutory duties of the office are upheld. Revenue is critical for maintaining the services that keep our city running — our schools, infrastructure, and community programs all depend on it. That’s why I believe in balancing compassion with responsibility. When a legitimate need for relief is identified, I will gladly assist in finding pathways that work for both the taxpayer and the city. My office will improve communication and support that promotes healthy financial outcomes for our community.
https://www.dailypress.com/2025/09/18/michael-harris-unopposed/
