-Hello, I'm Chris Roberts.
As a former Shoreline Mayor, longtime councilmember
enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation,
and King County property owner, I know firsthand
the stress skyrocketing property taxes place
on King County residents.
Too many of our neighbors are at risk of being
priced out of their homes.
I am running for assessor to restore integrity, equity, and
transparency to the office.
Right now, backlogs and understaffing delay vulnerable
seniors, veterans, and neighbors with disabilities from
receiving the tax exemptions they qualify for.
Meanwhile, our current system uses unsound valuation methods
for certain properties, giving them subsidized tax
rates while you and I pay more.
That is simply not everyone paying their fair share.
Fixing these structural issues requires a completely different
skill set than valuing a house.
Relying purely on appraisal experience
to run this department is like hiring an insurance
agent to serve as the state insurance commissioner.
One handles individual transactions, the other runs
a massive public agency.
My goal is to focus on the broader challenges facing
the office while advocating for sound public policy.
To deliver real tax relief, we must first ensure the office
supports our county's $400-billion economy efficiently.
That means modernizing our processes so housing can be
built without costly delays, working with cities to
promote efficient government, and proactively expanding
targeted outreach so every eligible resident gets the tax
exemptions they are entitled to.
Over the last 17 years, I've managed complex public budgets,
worked with regional leaders, and managed large projects.
I would be honored to bring that practical executive experience
and collaborative approach to the Department of Assessments.
I am proud to be endorsed by officials from all across the
county, including Executive Girmay Zahilay and former
Assessor Lloyd Hara.
I would appreciate your vote.
Yakoke.