Candidate for
Assessor; County of Humboldt

My decision to run for Assessor is based on my long-standing interest in making government efficient. The job of Assessor is primarily a leadership role demonstrated in a Policy Making as well as a Staff Management function. I comprehend the big picture and will concentrate on Policies that are good for the citizens. The County will benefit from my fresh perspective, no-nonsense and problem solving approach.

I come from a background that makes me uniquely qualified to address concerns from the tax payers' perspective. My feet are in both camps + landowner and private business as well as the public sector. I understand the importance of good Policy and that has been lacking in the Assessor's office.

Because the California Constitution provides for the Office of Assessor to be elected by the people, the Assessor must be responsive to the needs of the people. As a former Supervisor, I fully understand and embrace this concept. I will bring leadership, commitment, knowledge of Humboldt County and a voice for the people to the Assessor's Department. I care deeply about the future of Humboldt County. My 35 year background of service to community, experience and leadership ability will help me to make positive changes in the Assessor's department.

My strong background in real property, leadership, administration and service to the community along with my background in both the private sector and as an elected official make me uniquely qualified to address concerns from the taxpayers' perspective. As a former County Supervisor and long-time Humboldt County businesswoman, I have both the administrative and leadership skills necessary to lead the department. As Executive Director of The Buckeye and in many other leadership capacities, I have worked on numerous property and land matters ranging from appraisals to property rights issues. Through my years of practical and on-the-ground experience, I have demonstrated an ability to confront problems and find solutions to resolve them.

I will bring a new approach to the Office of Assessor by focusing on:

Customer Service

Fair and Pro-active Assessments Based on Today's Real Values

Fresh Ideas with Proven Leadership

Customer service - It's time for a new approach focusing on free-flowing and forthcoming information. It is essential the office be user friendly at the front desk and on-line. I will insist every customer be treated with courtesy. I will treat my staff with respect and encourage top-quality work. I will be available full-time to my staff and to the people I serve.

Establishing an Assessor webpage providing access to modern data including: tax saving programs, mapping, homeowner information, on-line forums and property characteristics is one of my priorities. This website will serve as a valuable tool for people conducting business.

Fair and pro-active assessments based on today's real values - Having dealt extensively with property issues, I will bring leadership, commitment, knowledge of Humboldt County and a voice for the people to the Assessor's Department. Because the California State Constitution provides for the Office of Assessor to be elected by the people, the Assessor must be responsive to the needs of the people. The people suffering a lingering economic decline are entitled to have their properties fairly assessed to reflect current market conditions.

Fresh Ideas with proven leadership - As a former County Supervisor and long-time Humboldt County businesswoman, I will bring both administrative and leadership skills to the office. I value hands-on, collaborative problem solving and will focus on a team building environment. I will work with the Planning Department to reconcile their land/parcel records with the Assessor's records. I will open up lines of communication with property owners, lenders, realtors, title companies, and surveyors. Having worked with the Office of Emergency Services in times of disaster, I know the important role the Assessor plays sharing the vital information that saves lives.

Bringing people together to create solutions is an effective tool and will serve to make the Assessor's department more efficient. I have a history of being able to cross political lines to accomplish success for the greater good and will continue down that path.