CLIFTON FORGE – Wanda H. Simpson has declared her candidacy for Alleghany County treasurer in the November general election.
“I welcome the opportunity to use my experience in local government to serve the citizens of Alleghany County as their treasurer,” she said.
Simpson was appointed deputy treasurer of Clifton Forge in 1986. Upon the retirement of Robert B. Deaton, treasurer, in 1988, Circuit Court Judge Duncan M. Bryd appointed her interim treasurer.
She won a special election later that year to fill Deaton’s remaining term and subsequently won three elections, serving as treasurer until the city reverted to a town in July 2001.
She is presently employed as a deputy commissioner of the revenue for Alleghany County.
“I’ve worked in the commissioner’s office for over six years,” said Simpson. “Having experience in both offices has helped me gain a valuable understanding of the relationship between the two departments. The two offices must work together closely to serve the taxpayers.”
Simpson graduated from Alleghany County High School in 1978 and received associate degrees in accounting and business management in 1981 from the National Business College in Roanoke. She began her career in local government that same year.
“I worked in the office of the Clifton Forge commonwealth’s attorney and later for the Virginia Community Development Block Grant program before becoming deputy treasurer,” she said.
Simpson has attended numerous classes and seminars regarding all aspects of real estate, personal property and state and federal income tax.
“Thirteen years as an elected city treasurer has provided excellent experience in budget preparation, financial reporting, cost containment, financial investing, fund accounting, bank reconciliation, auditing procedures, computerized ac-counting applications, staff management, and most importantly working with the public and numerous state agencies and departments,” she said.
Simpson is involved with the Clifton Forge Little League (CFLL) and is currently serving as vice president of the Challenger Division, which focuses on youth and young adults with special needs. She was involved with the CFLL Softball Division for many years.
Additionally, she served as a past president as well as a board member for the Clifton Forge Merchants and Professional Association and served as president of the Clifton Forge Junior Woman’s Club. She attends the Mountain Valley United Methodist Church.
Simpson is the daughter of Charles and Mary Harlow of Selma.
She resides on Willow Lane in Clifton Forge with her husband, Glen Ray “Jack” Simpson, and their son, Joe, a senior at Alleghany High School.
The couple also has a daughter, Jennifer, a sophomore at Shenandoah University in Winchester.
“I would like to thank all of the people who have signed my petitions and encouraged me to run. I feel I can make a difference in county government, and I would appreciate the opportunity to use my experience to serve the citizens of the Alleghany Highlands,” Simpson said.