Need new assessor

County Assessor Ralph Baker is proud of the website for the office. It’s good, but the face it presents to the public is like the portrait of Dorian Gray. It doesn’t represent the true face of the office.

I retired from the office a year ago. The job of the assessor’s office is assessment. Today, the appraisal staff is short at least three bodies to do the task required. Even with budget considerations, you don’t short the one department that does appraisals. With limited time and people, it’s become quantity over quality in terms of inspection.

He says there’s no morale problem. Really? Many have left; some try to do the best job they can under the circumstances. Others, seeing their path is to keep the boss happy, follow that star, no matter how low a magnitude it may be.

Whoever is elected to replace Mr. Baker, it will be a major job to correct years of poor decision-making. I, and many other office veterans, past and current, am voting for Andy Jackson. I believe he has the skills to untangle the mess, and, more importantly, will listen to those in the office that understand the appraisal process.

William M. Pierce

Spokane Valley