King County Local Voters Pamphlet

FAIR, PROFESSIONAL, ACCOUNTABLE. I have an outstanding record for fairness. The Assessor's Office has earned international recognition: receiving the 1999 Distinguished Assessment Jurisdiction Award for North America, and the 2002 Distinguished International Research and Development Award from the International Association of Assessing Officers. My improvements are called "a model assessment system" contributing greatly to equity. A 2002 King County audit concluded we do "such a good job overall in meeting standards" we should tell everybody about it.

EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT, OPEN. Assessment information is more open, accountable, and accessible than any other Assessor's Office in the country, with neighborhood reports and internet access. We have the lowest per capita cost for large jurisdictions in the United States, doubling our workload while reducing staff. Appeals continue to be at a level less than half of prior administrations.

RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE TAXPAYER ADVOCATE. I have actively pursued fairness in Olympia, writing legislation doubling tax relief to our seniors and requiring districts to hold public hearings on any property tax increase. I have the courage to challenge unfair proposals, successfully preventing $200 Million in annual tax shifts to homeowners at the State Supreme Court. I continue to advocate strongly for responsible tax relief, exemptions review, and truth-in-taxation policies.

RETAIN A RECOGNIZED LEADER. I have kept my promise to improve the Assessor's Office to a fair, professional, and responsive organization. I am a native of King County and a graduate of the University of Washington. I am proud to have served our country as a Naval Officer, a Vietnam Veteran, and Desert Storm support. I am a retired Captain, U. S. Naval Reserve. Under my leadership, the Assessor's Office is recognized as the best in fairness. I hope to have the privilege to continue serving as your King County Assessor. Thank you, Scott Noble.

FAIR TAXES -- FAIR ASSESSMENTS

Should strip clubs, such as Rick's and Sugar's, be assessed at only $1,000 -- when homeowners face skyrocketing annual property tax increases?

RICHARD POPE doesn't think this is fair. That's why he's running to be your next King County Assessor.

Computer programs annually reassess homeowners -- often for far too much. Business property assessment is haphazard -- sometimes for only a fraction of true market value.

Some valuable commercial buildings are actually assessed at only $1,000 -- including strip clubs, casinos, and auto dealerships. When special interests receive artificially low assessments, homeowners and small businesses must shoulder more of the property tax burden.

RICHARD POPE will work to assess all property fairly and equitably. Homeowners and small businesses deserve effective tax relief, not unfair tax burdens!

RICHARD POPE will make appeals fairer. You will no longer face the threat of the Assessor trying to raise your assessment if you appeal.

RICHARD POPE supports requiring voter approval for any property tax increases. And when the people vote for tax relief, these results should be honored.

RICHARD POPE will restore professionalism and efficient management to the Department of Assessments. Richard will defend your pocketbook whenever higher property taxes are proposed.

RICHARD POPE will assist senior citizens, so they are not taxed out of their homes.

We elect the Assessor to represent and serve the people. It's time for an Assessor who works for TAXPAYERS, not for SPECIAL INTERESTS.

RICHARD POPE has a law degree from the University of Washington, with an Economics BA and graduate studies in international trade. Richard is experienced in real estate and tax matters -- representing homeowners and taxpayers in his law practice. Richard will work for your interests as King County Assessor.

REFORM OUR UNFAIR TAX ASSESSMENT SYSTEM! PLEASE VOTE RICHARD POPE FOR YOUR NEXT KING COUNTY ASSESSOR.