Gray announces re-election bid for Page County Treasurer

~ Press release submitted by Page County Democrats

PAGE COUNTY, Feb. 23 — Page County Treasurer Penny R. Gray announced this week that she will seek a fourth, four-year term. Gray, a lifelong Democrat, who has served as the county’s treasurer since 2011, is endorsed by the Page County Democratic Committee.

“Penny Gray has been an exceptional County Treasurer,” said Samuel “Skip” Halpern, Page County Democratic Committee chair. “She brings a high level of professionalism that is evident in how well the department functions. The Page County Democratic Committee is proud to back her re-election bid.”

Prior to serving as county treasurer, Gray worked in Shenandoah National Park for the Concessionaire, ARAMARK Corporation for more than 30 years. During that time, she honed many skills including bookkeeping, accounting, customer service and management — all which she applies daily as treasurer.

Since becoming treasurer in 2011, Gray and her team have achieved total compliance with the Auditor of Public Accounts with the Commonwealth of Virginia for 11 years. By implementing prudent fiscal practices, under Gray’s leadership the county no longer needs to borrow Revenue Anticipation Notes — prior to her tenure the county had to borrow every year for more than a decade, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in interest and fees.

In addition, Gray has saved the county taxpayers more than $20,000 in postage in just one year by outsourcing billing. She was instrumental in investing county funds in a secure, government approved program that has earned more than $540,000 in interest. Under her leadership, the office has collected more than $12 million in delinquent revenue since she took office. 

“I am proud of the accomplishments my team and I have achieved during my time as Treasurer,” Gray said. “I’d be honored to continue to serve the county for another term. I want to focus on continuously improving operations and customer service while maintaining the outstanding record of service noted by the state.”

An active member of the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia since 2006, Gray has served on that organization’s board of directors for nine years and as treasurer for the TAV’s Political Action Committee for the past five years.  

Her experience, professionalism, and customer-first attitude are well known and respected. 

“Fairness, courtesy, and respect are important to me. I treat everyone the same. I do not grant favors for anyone. And, I’ve learned that not every delinquent taxpayer is a bad person — sometimes bad things happen to good people. I strive to always put that thought in my mind first,” said Gray. “I also believe listening without comment or judgment is important… as is accepting people as their true selves. People matter.”

A lifelong resident of the county, Gray’s family ties to the community run deep. A graduate of Page County High School, she is the daughter of Clyde and Helen Gray, now deceased. Both her parents are well remembered for their decades-long careers with Shenandoah National Park. Helen worked in various roles for 57 years, and Clyde was the chef at Big Meadows Lodge for 48 years. 

Along with her siblings, Roxanna, Garry and Steve, Penny was taught by example to serve others and give back to the community. That calling has continued throughout her life. She and her husband of 35 years, Greg, volunteer for the Stanley Homecoming, participate in all kinds of community fundraisers and enjoy working food and other booths at the Page County Fair each year. Both have also been active members of the Farmers’ Association for over 15 years. In addition, the Grays are active supporters of Page One’s various fundraisers, donating supplies for food boxes and, for more than 10 years, have lent a hand making apple butter to sell. In addition, Penny has served on the board of the William “Bill” Kibler Memorial Library in Stanley for over seven years and supports 4-H.  She proudly displays a 4-H plaque in her office that states “I’m helping to grow good citizens.”

The Gray’s have two children, Calla Knight and Tyler, and a granddaughter who all call Page County home. 

The County Treasurer is an elected constitutional officer and is directly accountable to the citizens of Page County. The treasurer ensures the fiscal integrity of public funds, manages the investment of local funds, and maintains detailed records for state collected accounts and bank account reconciliation. The office oversees billing and collection of all public service utility fees, as well as collection of personal property, real estate, vehicle license taxes and all other County generated revenue such as business license fees, estimated tax payments, dog tag fees, emergency medical service fees, landfill fees, building and zoning fees, and stormwater fees. 

Visit the Page County Democrats’ website at https://www.pagecountydems.org/ for more information about the committee and its values.

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