Why I’m Running For Assessor

People often ask me why I am running for county assessor. This is an easy question to answer: I get great personal satisfaction from public service. I am, for example, completing my second term on the board of Los Alamos Retirement Community, the non-profit organization that owns and operates Sombrillo Nursing Home and Aspen Ridge Lodge Assisted Living Community. LARC is an $8.5 million per year operation and I’ve had the pleasure of being its president for three of the six years I’ve served on the board.

Due to term limits, the current assessor, JoAnn Johnson, leaves office at the end of the year. She has done a wonderful job. Completion of her term is perfect timing for me. Being elected county assessor would not only allow me to continue to serve the public and give back to the community but also allow me to apply the extensive knowledge and skills I’ve attained from 40 years of local community service. That service includes 12 years on the County Council and 12 years on the Board of Public Utilities.

Throughout my 40-year residence in Los Alamos, our assessor’s office has been recognized throughout the state for its expertise, professionalism and clean operations. Maintaining that reputation requires more than “knowing the cost of property.” Yes, I know what things cost from both residential and commercial construction experience but being assessor requires more. The assessor must know the laws and valuation standards required for successfully performing the duties of the office. It also requires knowledge of how government works plus having the management and leadership skills necessary for running the office and providing proper oversight.

In Los Alamos, the primary role of elected county assessor is to provide proper oversight of the assessment process and to serve as liaison for the public. Success depends on hiring, training and retaining qualified, professional staff as well as having the ability to help citizens when questions arise regarding assessments. Being county assessor is a role for which I feel both confident and qualified. 

These are the reasons why I am running for Los Alamos County Assessor. I will appreciate your vote.