Kari Fleisher graciously sat down with me and entertained my questions. I found her to be warm, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and kind, especially given the nature of my questions. (I have strong opinions about taxes and she took it like a champ!)
Fleisher is a seasoned commercial and industrial property appraiser with 20 years of experience within the assessor’s office, Fleisher’s detailed understanding of property appraisal and tax collection processes uniquely positions her to enhance the functioning of this critical county role. Fleisher began her career as a trainee in the assessor’s office in 2004, later becoming a registered Oregon appraiser. She has appraised virtually every property type in the county, from residential to commercial, gaining a well-rounded view of Tillamook’s property landscape.
“I’ve been doing a lot of coverage,” she stated, highlighting her extensive hands-on experience as a foundational reason for her candidacy.
In 2012, she previously ran for the assessor’s position when the former assessor retired, and now she’s ready for a second attempt, emphasizing her lifelong commitment to public service and property appraisal as career paths. Fleisher expressed her intention to take her professional experience “to the next level,” aiming to ensure fair and accurate property assessments across the county.
The role of the tax assessor, as Fleisher describes, is far more comprehensive than many might realize. It involves assessing properties at 100% real market value, developing an appraisal roll, and managing the taxation process across the county. This role also includes oversight of a significant staff, including appraisers and tax collectors, which Fleisher is well-prepared to handle due to her experience.
One of her primary goals is to increase public outreach and education regarding tax laws and requirements.
“Oregon state laws in general just require the general public to be all-knowing of everything that they’re put up against,” she noted, expressing a desire to make tax processes more transparent and understandable for county residents.
Addressing potential challenges, Fleisher discussed the intricacies of property assessment, including the balancing act of adhering to state laws while also navigating the “gray areas” that require interpretation. She pointed out the necessity of periodic reassessments to keep up with market changes and ensure fairness in taxation.
Moreover, she highlighted opportunities for innovation, such as leveraging data analytics and improving operational efficiency within the assessor’s office. This would allow for more accurate and timely property assessments, ultimately benefiting the county’s financial health. Fleisher emphasized her deep community ties and focus on compassion within her public service work. She shared stories of residents struggling with tax bills and expressed a commitment to work towards solutions that consider residents’ circumstances, particularly the elderly and those on fixed incomes.
“I really want to do the best for the county,” Fleisher concluded, underscoring her dedication to serving the community’s needs through her role as assessor, if elected. Her campaign focuses on experience, education, and a strong sense of community service, promising a thoughtful and informed approach to the challenges facing Tillamook County’s tax assessment system.
You can watch the entire interview here: