What I’ll Do

After nearly 20 years under the same administration, it’s time for some fresh ideas at the Department of Assessment. There’s some great staff at the department, and by collaborating with them we can bring the department into the 21st century. From discussions with current and former staff, experts in the field, and my own studies, I’ve discovered many ways to improve the Department’s performance.

As King County Assessor, I will do the following:

  • I will instill a customer service culture to the department. I will be responsive by phone, email, or in writing, and staff will do likewise. I will make information more accessible, so people can better understand their assessments. I will meet regularly with community groups to explain department operations and listen to their questions and concerns, and will have appraisal staff meet with people and groups in their assigned areas.
  • I will conduct a thorough performance audit and best-practice review. Many sources suggest there are ways to improve operations at the Department, and if a reform is intelligent and reasonable, it will be given serious consideration. Under today’s budget pressures, we must prepare to tighten our belts and work smart.
  • I will actively educate, inform and notify those low-income seniors who may be eligible to defer property taxes. In light of King County’s high cost-of-living, I will fight for legislation to raise the current $35,000 income threshold for deferment.
  • I will resolve disputed appraisals more quickly, so less taxpayers will be forced to depend on costly hired experts to make formal appeals.
  • I will devote more resources to high-value, unique or complex properties, and less to common and low-value properties.
  • I will boost coordination between the Department, local governments, the real estate community, and King County Records, so as to gather the most accurate property data possible.
  • I will seek budgetary support from external agencies that depend on the office’s data, to bring in the revenue the Department needs to do the best job possible.
  • I will give the staff opportunities to upgrade their skills and certifications, and earn advancement as they do. This will help us retain our most talented and experienced people.
  • I will revive the internship program. It’s good for the Department and good for college students in related subject areas, and it’s time to bring it back into action.
  • I will usher the Department away from legacy computer systems developed in-house to more maintainable open systems, off-the-shelf where possible, to lower costs and lessen business risks.
  • I will coordinate more closely with the County Treasurer and Records Director on annual property tax administration, so taxpayers are taxed only their fair share and not a penny more.

I have even more ideas for the office, and I invite you to contact me at citizensforhara@comcast.net to discuss my ideas — or yours — in more depth.