Assessor's action prove he is listening to taxpayers

The "opinion" letter published by the Bee and authored by Jerry Clemons, Bonner County's new assessor, should make most of us breathe a sigh of relief. Although the assessor is still bound by Idaho's archaic statutes, Mr. Clemons — a former county commissioner — has quickly recognized that his goal, along with his whole department, is to serve his constituency with fairness and an open mind.

The past administration chose to be authoritarian and combative. These qualities never help any administrator, especially when constituents are threatened with the loss of their homes. Mr. Clemons has a Herculean task to administer Idaho's Tax and Revenue Code. Our local legislative representatives are currently attempting to change some of our more abusive statutes. A bill has just been presented that faintly resembles California's Prop. 13. It will put a lid on home value and allow a yearly percentage increase up to 3 percent.

Reading our current statutes ignites a body numbing headache for me. We could save millions just in the reduction of assessor duties with new codes and methodology. In the late 1800s when our constitution was written there was no such thing as the Internet. Mr. Clemons has started off in a conciliatory manner. That says to me he understands something about management.

BOB CHENAULT

Sandpoint

President

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