FRANKLIN—Another native and graduate of Southampton High School is in the running for the Commissioner of the Revenue’s seat.

John Robert Harrup announced earlier this year that he was not going to pursue the position through the November election. Amy Carr of Sedley has also announced her candidacy.

Greg Battle, raised in the Nottoway Gardens area of Checkerboard Corner, now resides in the Drewryville area. He works near Richmond as a sergeant in law enforcement.

Battle, running as an Independent, has had a longtime interest in politics and feels he is qualified to serve as commissioner.

&uot;There are some issues in the county that I have great interest in,&uot; he said. &uot;One of the major issues is real estate tax assessments, as well as personal property. I am an advocate of fair and equal tax assessments.

&uot;There is a hidden tax with the personal property,&uot; he said. &uot;When you get your personal property statement, you pay the taxes on the things on which you owe. Then you are sent another letter later to update your personal property.

&uot;If you don’t update it by a certain date, there is a penalty, although at the end of the year, they are already going to have that information anyway.&uot;

He said, &uot;We are one of the few jurisdictions in the surrounding area that has this penalty.

&uot;I also advocate tax relief for the elderly.&uot;

The son of Henry and Clara Battle, the candidate said he thinks the Commissioner of the Revenue office has a well-qualified staff.

&uot;I think they’re a great group of people, a great team. I would like to maintain the staff (if I am elected).&uot;

Battle received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville. He has assisted Southampton County by being a foster parent and is a lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Courtland.

Married with a 5-year-old son, Battle enjoys running about three miles each morning when his schedule allows, and reading inspirational literature and business-related books.

Battle has been busy visiting residents after work and on weekends.

&uot;I’ve been going door-to-door and meeting as many of the citizens as I can,&uot; he said.

&uot;I’m coming in as qualified applicant for the position. I think my knowledge and skills would be an asset.

&uot;I love to help people. That’s what I do and have been doing for well over a decade. I also love working with numbers, and along with my business degree, I think (the job) will be a great match.&uot;