LAKE COUNTY— The urging of professional acquaintances, business owners, and friends is only part of the reason Hannah Faith Lee is running for Assessor-Recorder. Lee states her decision to run for Assessor-Recorder is also influenced by a powerful sense of duty to serve the public efficiently, timely, and with utmost respect.
“What I commonly hear is that service is slow, office availability for title companies has been limited for several years, and communication is lacking. These issues impact people directly. Back-logs in assessments, and delays in real estate closings, result in a loss of revenues for the County,” Lee said. “I see many opportunities to improve direct services to the public.”
The Assessor-Recorder is responsible for assessing property values for taxation purposes and the security, recording of and access to, legal documents. The Office works hand in hand with the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office, the Auditor-Controller’s Office, the Board of Supervisors, and other agencies. Communication is essential.
Everyone who files, or has a need to access, legal documents or who owns property – a home or a business – private or commercial, will at some point interact with the Assessor-Recorder. This office affects the public directly.
As a local business owner and Deputy Public Guardian, Lee notes that she understands that leadership must be responsive to the needs of its customers. One priority Lee will immediately implement is an open-door policy. “It’s important to be receptive to the concerns and input of those who interact with the Assessor-Recorder. My door will be open,” said Lee.
High on her long priority list of actions needed include faster turn-around times for accessing legal documents; expanded office hours for title companies to record legal documents; regular and clear communication to constituents – especially about pending changes that impact pocketbooks; fair assessments of property values; eliminating backlogs that can impact revenue streams to the County; instituting electronic recording; modernizing the office; and modifying or eliminating unnecessarily restrictive policies and practices. These will be major changes.
Referring to recent changes of property values resulting in tax increases, Lee said: “I work with people of meager means – people who can ill afford costly surprises to their finances. Surprises in tax bills can be an extreme burden and a shock to those on limited or fixed incomes. People need to be given time to plan for increases, time to adjust personal budgets, and time to seek assistance from families, friends, and support agencies when the costs are too much to bear.”
Most people understand that change needed for years could not happen overnight, but many, it seems, have lost patience.
“I don’t presume to have all the answers, but I bring a unique perspective to government leadership – new energy and a fresh look is certain to reveal opportunities for improvement,” said Lee.
Formerly an analyst in Adult Services, Lee was tasked with conducting efficiency studies; writing policies and procedures; streamlining and automating processes; and making recommendations to managers for improvements to daily operations. Currently, as a business owner, she supervises employees and is accountable for product delivery, customer service and the financial stability of the business. Also, as a Deputy Public Guardian, Hannah works with a team and is responsible to the courts for her own performance as well as that of her team.
Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Psychology, and associate degrees in Business Administration and Tax Preparation. She understands the regulatory and human side of management and will bring this combined outlook to the job.
The public is invited to join Lee at her campaign kick-off event on Friday, March 25 from 5 to 7 pm at 125 N. Main Street in Lakeport. Refreshments will be served.
Lee will take questions and welcomes the opportunity to get input on how the Assessor-Recorder can better meet the needs of the public.
To learn more about Lee, visit www.hannahleeforassessorrecorder.com and her campaign Facebook page, Hannah Lee for Assessor-Recorder. She can also be reached by phone at 707-350-3647.
