In Seattle, former City Treasurer Lloyd Hara has filed for the vacant King County Assessor post. From his press release, Hara, who is a moderate Democrat, stressed the need for new leadership:

“I pride myself on being a watchdog, not a lapdog,” said Hara.  “For nearly 20 years, the same folks have run the Assessor’s office.  It is time for a change and some proven leadership.”

Hara is currently completing a four year term as a Port of Seattle Commissioner, where he has been a leading advocate of accountability and shaking up the Port’s “old guard culture.”

 

“If I’m elected Assessor in November, one of the first things on my agenda is a thorough, independent performance audit of the office,” Hara said.  “From the people I’ve spoken with in the office, there is some room for improvement. We’re going to take a fresh look at how things are done. I have some good ideas already. ”

 

With a shaky economy and plunging property values, Hara said taxpayers are understandably concerned about being treated fairly by the Assessor in regards to their property values.  “We have too many of our neighbors here in King County who are unemployed, had hours cut or are even facing foreclosure.  They have a right to be treated fairly and with respect by the Assessor’s Office.”

 

Hara has a 40 year career of managing public agencies – from serving as an Army officer, to King County’s youngest Auditor, to four terms as Seattle Treasurer, to running FEMA in a four state region during the Clinton Administration and most recently on the Port Commission.

The Assessor’s vacancy was created earlier this year when incumbent Scott Noble was forced to resign after pleading guilty to felony drunk driving charges.  The special election will be on the November 3rd ballot.

There are currently four candidates in the race. The other candidates are Bob Rosenberger, an appraiser in the assessor's office for 24 years; accountant Bob Blanchard and appraiser Graham Albertini. Hara's decision to run for Assessor also creates a second opening on the Seattle Port Commission (fellow Commissioner Pat Davis announced her retirement some time ago).