Bettencourt Re-Elected To Second Full Term Paul Bettencourt, Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector, was re-elected to his second full term on Nov. 2, 2004. He received more than 58 percent of votes cast. “I’m gratified that the people of Harris County have so enthusiastically voted to have me collect their taxes for another four years,” Bettencourt said. Bettencourt took office in 1998, filling the unexpired term of Carl Smith, who died in office. In 2000, Bettencourt was elected to his first full term in office. Paul Bettencourt has served as Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector for six years. He leads a Tax Office staff of 500 that annually handles 3.7

Paul Bettencourt Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector

The hallmark of his administration is been “Smart Government,” which means being accountable to the taxpayer. As Tax Assessor-Collector, he has often provided information to the public on issues impacting the taxpayer.

Paul was well-qualified, upon taking office in 1998, to serve as Tax Assessor-Collector for the third-largest county in the nation because he brought to the office his success in the private sector. Prior to taking office, Paul was worked as a consultant for clients in industry and government. Before that, he worked for Asea Brown Boveri, Industrial Systems (ABB) for nine years. As Vice President of Sales and the Director of Sales and Marketing for ABB's Chemical, Oil and Gas Division, he oversaw an annual sales budget of $100 million.

Paul has held a number of positions in the Harris County Republican Party, including Vice-Chairman and Treasurer, and has worked in various capacities in at least 40 political campaigns.

Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University’s College of Engineering in Industrial Distribution. He and his wife Susan have two children, Henry and Christina. The Bettencourts make their home in Houston, where they are active members of Saint John Vianney Catholic Church.