She started a new job in a new office in a new town.

On Monday, Tamaqua's newly elected tax collector said she's up and running and couldn't be happier."The voters supported me and I want to give back," said Pamela J. McCullion.McCullion said she feels she's the perfect fit for the job."I decided to run for the position when Alan (Kerr) had indicated that he was going to be retiring at the end of his term and my current boss is reaching retirement age. I felt that I would do an excellent job as tax collector as I've worked as a real estate/legal assistant in a local law firm for over 18 years and due to my job duties at the law office had the experience and qualifications that were needed to fulfill the position," said McCullion, a Lehighton native.McCullion has been employed by William Schwab Esq., Lehighton. There, she started as a receptionist in 1993, then took on duties of real estate assistant before being elevated to office manager in 1999. She feels the experience in a law office will be helpful."I believe that I possess the qualities needed to do an outstanding job as I have extensive bookkeeping experience and I am a people person who really enjoys working with the public."McCullion will attend training during February to become familiar with new software introduced for all tax collectors in Schuylkill County."I'll begin collecting taxes on March 1," she said.McCullion and husband Larry, who reside in Owl Creek, have made a substantial investment in the community.Larry owns L & S Electrical Construction. The couple has a son, Levi, 3 1/2.On Aug. 1, 2013, the two purchased 6 S. Lehigh St., a small, end-of-row house in a convenient downtown location and turned it into a modern, handicapped-accessible office and attached two-bedroom apartment.Improvements include new roof, windows, siding, electrical, front porch, access ramp, sidewalks and an asphalt parking area for two cars."As I expressed to the voters, I would maintain an office in the downtown area convenient to all residents. I believe that I have fulfilled that obligation at the location chosen," said McCullion, a 1992 graduate of Lehighton Area High School.At the end of last September, the McCullions also purchased the adjacent home, 8 S. Lehigh, and turned it into a two-bedroom rental.That house is famous for being the home of Tamaqua cop Benjamin Franklin Yost, allegedly murdered by the Molly Maguires at 2 a.m., July 6, 1875. In fact, Mrs. Yost heard the gunshots and ran from the home to find her husband crumpled at the curb.The dramatic murder eventually brought about the end of the reputed Mollies' reign of terror.McCullion is familiar with the story. Truth be told, she isn't exactly new to Tamaqua."My grandparents were Charles and Helen Erbe from Elm Street on Dutch Hill, and my mother is Irene Erbe," McCullion said.As for what's new, she says she'll utilize a few innovations to make the tax office consumer-friendly.For instance, she'll initiate Saturday hours from March through October to accommodate those who work away or can't get into the office on a weekday."If someone wants to make an appointment outside of normal hours, I'll do that, too," she said.She expects to offer notary and fax services. Down the road, she'll incorporate title transfer services, too.Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, March through October. Plus, on the last Saturday of each month, March through October, the office will open from 9 a.m. to noon. From November through February, the office will open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.More information is available at 570-668-6220.