I was very happy to learn that Patrick Sullivan had filed to run for treasurer-tax collector of Lake County.

I worked firsthand with Patrick during my tenure as a deputy county administrative officer for the county of Lake.

I was the lead on the initiation and formation of the Lake County Tourism Improvement District, also known as Visit Lake County. The lodging industry had expressed their desire that tourism marketing be conducted by the industry rather than the county and that began the effort to create an independent tourism/lodging entity.

One of the issues we discovered during that process was that the transient occupancy tax, or TOT, which is tied to the available lodging information was very outdated and the short-term rental market wasn't well represented in the information the seated treasurer-tax collector had.

We worked toward getting everything updated and brought up to speed. Patrick was an integral part of that process, and I always knew if I had a question he either had the answer or would find it promptly.

He's been involved with that office and the responsibilities of it for several years now and would make a seamless transition upon election.

He's smart, hardworking, kind, thoughtful, forward-thinking and most importantly knows what needs to be done and finds the most efficient way toward getting it done.

I'm excited that we have such an excellent candidate and I look forward to casting my vote for Patrick.

Michelle Scully lives in Lakeport, California.