Drafter
Clerk 06/22/2009
Title
A MOTION establishing the process for appointing a county assessor.
Body
WHEREAS, the King County council is committed to principles of good government and the transparency of its proceedings, and
WHEREAS, fair and accurate property assessment is the cornerstone of King County's property tax system, and
WHEREAS, the King County assessor has resigned from the assessor's elected office, and
WHEREAS, the King County council has a duty under the county charter to fill the resulting vacancy in the office of assessor by appointment of an individual to serve as assessor until the assessor's successor is elected and qualified in the November 2009 general election, and
WHEREAS, it will be important for an appointed county assessor to focus on the operation of the department of assessments, rather than on the demands of campaigning for office;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. In order to preserve public confidence in the process for selecting a county assessor, a selection committee is hereby established for the purpose of reviewing eligible candidates. The committee shall establish an expedited process that will facilitate prompt appointment of an assessor. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.
B.1. The appointed members of the committee are:
a. Will Ibershof, Mayor of Duvall, representative from the Suburban Cities Association;
b. Jim Dierst, a member of the Seattle King County Association of REALTORS;
c. Noel Treat, chief of staff to the county executive; and
d. Tom Bristow, chief of staff to the county council.
2. The four members of the committee appointed in accordance with subsection B.1. of this motion shall select a fifth member of the committee and shall appoint a chair.
C. The county council will issue a press release on the day this motion is adopted, inviting persons interested in serving as assessor to submi...
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