PROVEN LEADERSHIP.

CLEAR VISION.

RESULTS.

My primary reason for running is to continue guiding the design, and implementation of a new computer system which touches every facet of our operation. It will combine Geographic Information System (GIS), a computerized mapping and analysis tool, with appraisal tools, to help appraisers in determining market value.

The values will flow to a tax computation module which will be used along with taxing district budgets to determine levy rates and taxes. The system will be used to create the Tax Roll for the Treasurer, along with tax statements. It will then be used for the collection of taxes and distribution of taxes to the taxing districts for the delivery of services to you, the property owner.

This work has been in progress for over a year and will continue into 2008. It is a major undertaking requiring thousands of hours with most staff in both offices involved. Making all of the pieces fit together properly requires knowledge of all parts of GIS, the Assessors departmental operation and working cooperatively with the Treasurer's staff. It requires vision and it requires proven leadership. This is not the time to change Assessors.

Second, as your Assessor, and formerly as your chief deputy assessor, I have been consistent in encouraging staff to make decisions with our property owners in mind. We are all focused on assuring market value which is the standard of Washington State for equitable taxation. I want to continue the work of assuring property values are fair and accurate for you.

Third, I have focused my staff on customer service. Staff takes the time to talk to property owners about properties they own and the market for their area. We send sales reports or you can access sales reports on our web site. I want to continue to assure you are treated efficiently and with respect.

Fourth, we continue to improve our processes so we do the work for which we are responsible in an efficient manner without sacrificing quality of appraisal.

Currently the Assessor's office and Treasurer are implementing a new joint assessment and treasurer computer system. This system will affect every process in both offices. I can and will assure that our office has the tools to continue using resources effectively far into the future.