Michael Kaster, 52, is the Democratic candidate for Navarro County Tax Assessor/Collector on the Nov. 4 General election ballot.
Kaster, a longtime business owner in Corsicana, is making his first run at public office. He has owned and operated Curington Cleaners in downtown Corsicana for the past 20 years, having purchased the business from his wife’s cousin.
His desire to serve the public was a factor in his decision to seek office, he said.
“This last year I’ve been looking for a change,” Kaster said. “I like a challenging job. I want to learn things all the time, and I want to serve the public ... those things came together, and the job was available.”
Kaster said his previous work experience managing large companies and budgets is a plus to his candidacy. Prior to his move to Corsicana, Kaster worked for an energy equipment manufacturer and an international restaurant firm, helping design new stores and implementing energy conservation measures. His work in Oklahoma and Arkansas earned him an award from Oklahoma Gas and Electric.
“I’ve been in business for 20 years, so I show a little bit of stability as well,” he added.
Kaster described the campaign for elected office as “arduous and fun.
“The rewards have been meeting a lot of people in the county that I never met before,” he said. “That’s been a real valuable experience.”
In addition to his work at Curington Cleaners, a task he calls “a job and a half,” Kaster has involved himself in a variety of civic and charitable organizations during his 20 years living in Navarro County, among them Lion’s Club, Family Services, Habitat for Humanity, the Navarro County Historical Society and work at the Palace Theatre. He also performs with the Corsicana Swing Orchestra, and has also played in the orchestras of Northside Baptist Church and Community Baptist Church.
Kaster said he believes the tax office should be open “any time the courthouse is open,” and be focused on providing quality customer service.
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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com
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