Spokane7
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October 12, 2010 in City
Spokane County assessor race
Incumbent Ralph Baker faces a challenge from one of his own appraisers, Vicki Horton, who accuses him of mismanagement.
Although he has been credited by state officials with bringing a poorly performing office into compliance with state regulations, Baker’s aggressive style has rubbed some employees and property owners the wrong way.
Staff members have twice filed formal complaints against an appraiser Baker promoted to supervisor. Other county officials dismissed both complaints after investigation, but the incidents – one of which was resolved last month – suggest an ongoing staff ferment.
Baker ran unsuccessfully for Spokane County auditor in 2002.
• Ralph Baker , 58
Incumbent Republican
Bio: Appointed assessor in January 2005 after two years as chief deputy assessor. Subsequently elected to unexpired term and re-elected in 2006 to a full term. Previously was a financial adviser for four years and spent 24 years in the Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Married. Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, University of Northern Louisiana, 1977; master of business administration, University of Northern Colorado, 1987.
Campaign issues: Favors use of technology to offset staff reductions. Says he has “led this office from one of the worst in our state to one of the best,” and “morale is fine.” Says employees got “a generous raise” and have “absolutely outstanding” fringe benefits.
Notable: Has developed an information-rich website that even his critics praise. Baker says it “has greatly improved our accuracy and accountability.”
• Vicki Horton , 56
Republican
Bio: Is an appraiser on Baker’s staff, in her first bid for public office. Before moving to Spokane nine years ago, Horton was an appraiser and, for two years, chief deputy assessor in the Clearwater County assessor’s office in Orofino, Idaho. Previously was a sheriff’s dispatcher. Married; four adult children. Bachelor’s degree in history, Gonzaga University, 1985.
Campaign issues: Says the biggest challenge for the office is gaining the trust of taxpayers and the assessor’s staff. Is concerned that a “severe lack of leadership” creates poor morale, “slower working habits” and increased stress among employees.
Notable: Thinks a six-year, $560,000 contract for aerial photography is an invasion of privacy as well as a waste of money because state law requires site visits every six years and most building permits are reported automatically.
1992 murder trial begins against sex offender 
tiredofpolitics on October 12 at 11:33 a.m.
Let’s see generous raise & benefits…could that be the Cola & medical negotiated every 4 years in the union contract? The pay steps are determined via the Spokane County Paysystem. Seems like the Assessor forgot to mention his yearly GENEROUS pau increase & great benefits too. None of this is because of his doing.
worthasecondlook on October 12 at 5:03 p.m.
In the assessor’s office, they investigate and investigate with multiple agencies and committees yet find the same conclusion that this employee did nothing wrong and actually worked 14 hours without pay so that is a non issue for me.
I also could care less how the office morale is. In this climate, where most people’s morale is low as it is a recession and all of our jobs are at risk, the assessor’s office morale is of no concern. They get cost of living increases, the best medical, vacations, holidays, retirement etc.
I would never vote for someone with no education to make this salary and manage a 3.5 million dollar budget. Baker is still the only candidate with education, experience and the leadership to make the hard decisions that keep those employees employed. Some may have gotten their hair in a twist during the process but they still have their jobs which is more than alot of people can say these days.
tiredofpolitics on October 12 at 7:50 p.m.
Anyone can learn to do the Assessor’s job. There’s a manual, there are Assessor groups that tell you how to do it. It’s your staff that makes it work. Continuing to eliminate Appraiser jobs and keep a 600,000 software program that can’t replace the physical inspection of property is stupid. Everyone is replaceable. It’s time for a change. The investigation isn’t over. The state Auditor is doing an internal investingation because the whistile blower went no where with the Assessor investing himself. Don’t be fooled by pretty pictures, websites, and software. It takes quality appraising and licensed appraisers to make it all work which under the current administration there are 18 appraisers. How do you fairly and equally assess 400,000 parcels give or take by cutting Appraisal staff? Take the *A*s*s** out of Assessor. Elect someone else.
worthasecondlook on October 12 at 8:12 p.m.
Half the staff is dug in and entitled due to union protection and the other half works at 150% to compensate. So, it is only natural the there is contention. A new assessor won’t fix entitlement. When a child forgets their work ethic you retrain them and set goals for them, you don’t get a new parent. Fundamental. Baker is setting goals for his office and expecting them to earn their paychecks, which is a model that many government offices should emulate in this climate. We need to get the most service for our tax dollar. FYI, state auditor is about to find no wrongdoing as well. That will be three investigations and no wrongdoing.