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Why I am running for Assessor

Civic Responsibility

While casting my vote in the 2021 Consolidated Local Election, I noticed two Vacant Township Trustee positions so I decided to inquire and learn more about government at the local level. I  applied for the position, and was appointed to the board.

In 2024 as I was preparing for my first time collecting signatures and petitioning to be on the ballot, I started thinking about what role I could best service my township in. 

I am a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO), a designation that is the premier designation for property assessment professionals in Illinois. The CIAO designation not only instills industry best practices but shows an understanding of the laws and statutes governing property assessment within the state of Illinois.

Running for Assessor requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and an opportunity to serve the community. With over 20 years of experience in technology and running a small business, combined with 8 years of experience in the assessing field, I believe I am well qualified to perform my civic duty as Richmond Township Assessor.

Improvements I would make as Richmond Township Assessor are listed below.

Homeowners Missing out on Homestead Exemptions

Many homeowners are not aware of the various homestead exemptions they are entitled to that would help reduce their property tax bill.

The two most common exemptions homeowners qualify for are the General Homestead and the Senior Homestead.

Many residents in Richmond are entitled to these exemptions but are not aware or are confused about them, I will do my best to find them and help them save their hard earned money.

Community Outreach Regarding Homestead Exemptions to ensure every homeowner is aware of and receives their exemptions. With an aging population, every year more Township residents turn 65 years old but many are not aware that they now would qualify for a Senior Homestead Exemption on their property tax bill.

Make Applying for exemptions easier.
I will also implement an online form for homeowners to submit their requests for the General Homestead Exemption to the Assessor as a quick convenient option!

Are you missing any exemptions? Visit Exemptions Page to Read More

Implement Easy to use Property Comparables feature

I want to enable you, with a few clicks to be able to find out how your property value or assessment compares to similar properties in your neighborhood.

Currently, if you are wondering whether your house is properly valued by the assessor as compared to your neighbors, it's impossible to quickly compare. You would need to contact the Assessor.

If you believe your property is unfairly assessed compared to neighbors, you would need to File an Appeal and provide evidence as to why you think you are unfairly assessed.

The comparable search software I intend to implement would help you with the process as well. Transparency and proper valuation are key to everyone paying their fair share of the tax burden.

The assessment technology software I plan on implementing is currently being used by many other townships in nearby counties. It will not cost more on an annual basis than the current software, and will provide more value to you.

You will be able to find comparables for your property in minutes, on your phone or computer, a few clicks... not hours!

Then, if you still think you are assessed too high, you can easily find the required property data on one form created by the software.

Empowering you, the homeowners with easy to use tools will bring efficiency and transparency to the assessment process!

Educate Taxpayers

I would like to host seasonal workshops or classes throughout the year to assist residents with Exemptions, Explain Their Property Values and answer other questions that will come up.

There are many incorrect assumptions regarding what the township assessor does, how taxes are calculated, and how increase or decrease in assessed values would affect the next tax bill.

I will create guides that will clarify and enlighten those that are seeking to learn and understand how the process really works.

For example, one important fact to remember if you read this far...

The Assessor does not set the tax rates.
It is important to understand that the Assessor’s Office DOES NOT set tax rates. The various taxing entities within each tax area set the tax rate based on their annual budget. The sum of all of these rates equals the overall tax rate or mill levy.

A common misperception is that the Assessor can increase valuations arbitrarily through the revaluation process in order to create a “windfall” of revenue. Truth in Taxation laws prevent this from happening. In general, if assessments increase in value due to revaluation, the overall tax rate in your tax area is adjusted downward in order to produce the same amount of revenue as the previous year.