County Assessor

Voters should know that the Ventura County assessor’s office has consistently been praised by the State Board of Equalization for both the quantity and quality of its work.

Way too much criticism has been leveled regarding the status of automation in the office. Ongoing automation is clearly needed, but remember that automation is a means to an end, not the end itself.

If you the voter want an assessor who is the most knowledgeable in property tax law, who has analyzed issues important to taxpayers through his unmatched years of work in assessment appeals, who has integrity and dedication, who is widely supported by his colleagues and can hit the ground running, vote for Jim Dodd.

JEAN P. EDISON, Ventura

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Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton is my choice for Ventura County assessor. During the 12 years he has led this city, Simi Valley has consistently had a balanced budget with excellent reserves and has ranked as one of the safest cities in the nation. This did not happen by accident.

Greg Stratton is an excellent administrator who demands quality output from his staff. A fiscal conservative, he thoroughly understands the budget process. He has made a positive difference in Simi Valley, and he will bring these qualities to Ventura County government.

What we don’t need is another county bureaucrat in the assessor’s office! I will vote for Greg Stratton for Ventura County assessor on Tuesday and I hope you do too.

PAUL MILLER, Simi Valley

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Some might think of the county assessor’s office as one of those bureaucratic offices that doesn’t make a big difference. But this office has long-range impacts on the financial health of Ventura County.

For that reason, I will be voting for Dan Goodwin. Dan is unique in that he has both the inside view, as a former eight-year county assessor’s employee, and the outside view, as a business entrepreneur managing his own appraisal firm for 20 years.

As a recognized court property assessment witness and as a certified property appraiser, he knows what should be done to improve the efficiency of this important office.

Dan has the technical knowledge, the management skills and the vision for its future. His personal integrity and work ethic will prove a lasting asset for the citizens of Ventura County.

JOHN WALKER, Ventura