2 candidates rematch in race for Winfield tax collector
Voters in Winfield Township will decide on a new tax collector in the general election this November, and the choice will come down to Republican primary winner Maisie Miller and Marla Klabnik, who is running as a Democrat.
The winner will replace Donna Nagle, who resigned from the post Jan. 31. For the remainder of 2025, real estate taxes for Winfield Township are to be collected at the Butler County Treasurer’s Office, while school district taxes are to be collected by Clinton Township tax collector Linda Halstead.
The same two candidates ran head-to-head in the primary election in May, declaring only as Republicans. Miller won the Republican primary by 350 votes to 202 over Klabnik. However, both candidates received an identical number of write-in votes — 26 — from Democratic voters, necessitating a rarely used “casting of lots” tiebreaking procedure to determine who would be the Democratic candidate.
When the special casting of lots took place in June, Klabnik drew the low number, allowing her to proceed to the November ballot.
Klabnik, wife of township supervisor Matthew Klabnik, serves as secretary for Winfield Township’s planning commission and also serves on the steering committee, which is developing the master plan for the renovation of the Winfield Township Community Park.
Before running for tax collector, Klabnik served as administrator of Middlesex Township from September 2021 to December 2022. She also briefly served as interim township manager there after the resignation of Tom Hartwig in June 2022, until the appointment of Jeffrey Winkle that October.
“I love my community,” Klabnik said. “I am a municipal government geek who is always reading and learning workflows and processes of government and fully understand that rules are in place for a reason and that researching and educating oneself is important to understanding local government.”
Miller is a treasury/finance analyst with the Pittsburgh-based multinational law firm K&L Gates. She said she will continue in her current capacity with the firm if elected. Miller grew up in Saxonburg, attended Knoch High School, and lives in Sarver.
“I decided to run for this position since it is a great way to serve the residents of my community,” Miller said in April. “My great-grandparents, George and Helen Cypher, were prominent members of the community, and I would like to use this opportunity to continue their esteemed legacy.”
While she is running for the seat of full-time tax collector, she is already serving as the township’s deputy tax collector, assisting interim tax collector Linda Halstead with her duties.
“I believe this sets me apart by being ready to take on that responsibility both with the technical knowledge I’m gaining in my deputy role and the dedication I have to serving Winfield with integrity,” Miller said. “My approach in the general election will be more about showing that I am prepared, qualified, and committed to serving the people of our township.”
How would you describe your strategy for the office of tax collector? What changes, if any, would you bring to the role?
Klabnik: I want to make the experience of paying taxes easier for those that pay in person. Relocating the tax office to the township building will make it more convenient and accessible, maintaining collection dates at Concordia is important as well. Offering online tax payments is the biggest change that I want to implement. Many residents appreciated this option when the county treasurer covered spring collection dates due to the resignation of the previous tax collector.
I will offer varied office hours so that residents that work shifts will have opportunities to pay in person. Appointments will also be an option. I know sometimes life gets hectic, and being flexible will help those that need alternative hours. I also hope to educate residents about where their taxes go — many believe that the township get all the spring taxes but in reality, it is just a small portion. Just a simple infographic about where their tax dollars go to display in the office.
Miller: If elected, my strategy will be to ensure the office runs with accuracy, efficiency and fairness while also keeping residents’ needs front and center. I want to make paying taxes as straightforward as possible by expanding payment options to make the process more convenient and timely. Beyond the technical duties, I believe the tax collector’s office should be approachable and service-oriented, with an emphasis on treating every resident with respect. My goal is to build trust through transparency and to make sure that every interaction with the office reflects the professionalism our community deserves.
Since this is effectively a rematch of the primary, what do you plan to do differently for your general election campaign?
Klabnik: I am hoping to go to more areas and visit residents door-to-door and just chat with them. I want to let Winfield residents know that though I may not be born and raised in this township or have “deep roots” in this community, I chose to move here and make this my home. This township is a wonderful place to live, and my children love visiting and we even hosted one of their weddings here because they love it so much. I am establishing the roots for further generations.
Miller: Winning the Republican nomination was an honor, and I’m so grateful for the community’s support so far. For the general election, my approach will be focused on deepening connections within the community and ensuring that voters clearly understand both my qualifications and my commitment to the role of tax collector. I want voters to see me as approachable, informed, and invested in making sure our tax collection process is accurate, transparent, and user-friendly. ... My approach in the general election will be more about showing that I am prepared, qualified, and committed to serving the people of our township.
