Candidate for
Assessor; County of Humboldt

As Assessor I will bring a higher level of service to the public. Drawing on a decade in public administration and over 20 years of business and appraisal experience, I am uniquely qualified to keep pace today while preparing for the future by embracing modern technology, including online services.

I have lived and worked in Humboldt County for over 30 years, and raised my family here. I care deeply about the County we will pass on to the next generation. Facing unprecedented challenges and problems built up over years, `business as usual' is not good enough. Good government requires a commitment to solving problems, and I will bring the qualified, independent, and fair leadership needed to move forward.

Almost 95% of property tax revenue to fund schools, fire districts, deputies, and other services comes from real estate. With volatile real estate markets and an uncertain economy, we need an assessor who has a solid background in both public administration and real estate valuation. I have these qualifications.

We can no longer put serious issues aside for the next generation to deal with. We must move forward together to find effective solutions, and work toward a sustainable local economy.

My top priorities for Humboldt County Are:

Improve Service to the public: I believe that public service means service to the public and I will make fair, informed, and open interactions a top priority. I will:

• Publicize the Prop 8 "decline in value program" + one of the few tax breaks available to working families in these difficult times and other programs which benefit tax payers;
• Openly address issues, solve problems and `fix' dysfunctional systems.

• Develop comprehensive on-line resources to increase efficiency and make Assessor programs more visible and accessible to the public;
• Mentoring staff to improve employee performance through active training, oversight and direction, particularly with respect to declining property valuations.

• Address long standing 'illegal' subdivision issues, and develop a system of early notice with the Planning Department, Board of Supervisors, and the public so that problems which do arise can be quickly identified and resolved.