Fresno Bee endorsement

By Bob Werner

Fresno Bee supports Bob Werner

Candidate emerges from a fine field to run crucial county office.

(Published Wednesday, February, 27, 2002 9:29AM)

The post of Fresno County assessor-recorder is another one of those highly technical jobs that should be appointed instead of elected. With all the candidates on the statewide ballot, the race for this important but obscure post can get lost among the high-profile rhetoric of the governor's race or the smears coming out of some of the legislative races. But the current system requires an election for assessor-recorder, who oversees property assessments and directly affects every property owner and business owner in the county. That makes it crucial for voters to take extra care in evaluating the four candidates for the job, which is being vacated by William Greenwood, who is retiring after 24 years as assessor-recorder.

The field of candidates includes some highly talented public servants. Out of the group, we believe the county would be served best by Bob Werner, who has worked in the assessor-recorder office for 15 years, most recently as the supervisor of assessment standards.

Werner has pledged to bring in a computerized property tax system, and says the office needs more geographical information online. He also understands the importance of giving the public access to the office and its information. He would streamline the reporting procedures for local businesses.

Werner has earned a number of major endorsements, including Greenwood and Fresno County Supervisors Juan Arambula, Susan Anderson and Bob Waterston.

On Tuesday, voters should support Bob Werner for Fresno County assessor-recorder.