Sommers to leave assessor’s post in ‘05

Spokane County Assessor Duane Sommers announced Tuesday he will retire in January, just halfway through his first four-year term.

Sommers said he is leaving the post because his wife is having health problems, and he wants to be able to travel with her before health issues prevent it.

“When I ran, I fully expected I would at least complete the term,” said Sommers.

Prior to being elected Spokane County assessor in 2002, Sommers served 12 years in the Washington Legislature and worked for the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.

Spokane County Republican precinct officers will meet in December to choose three replacement candidates to present to the Spokane County commissioners, said local party chairwoman Robin Ball.

Commissioners will then pick one of the people off that list to serve out the remainder of Sommers’ term.

So far no candidates have formally announced a desire to be considered for the elected position, which pays $70,000 per year. But both Sommers and Ball said that Ralph Baker, second in command at the assessor’s office, is a likely candidate.

“I think he would be a logical replacement,” Sommers said.

Baker has worked closely with Sommers over the past two years. He could not be reached Tuesday afternoon for comment.

During Sommers’ time on the job, he instituted the use of in-the-field computers to make the assessor staff more efficient. Sommers also reorganized the office’s management structure and increased the frequency with which properties are assessed, bringing that timetable more in line with Washington Department of Revenue schedules.

“I completely understand why he’s stepping down, but on the other hand he’s been a great public servant, so it’s kind of sad,” said Ball.