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Two GOPs vie in primary for property appraiser’s job
Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 |
Two candidates will vie for property appraiser in the Aug. 26 Republican primary: Frank Gregoire and Pam Dubov. The winner faces Ben Friedlander, a Democrat, in the Nov. 4 general election.
Tampa Bay Newspapers asked the candidates to provide biographical information and answer two questions: “What changes would you implement in the way property in Pinellas County is appraised?” and “What other services, programs or procedures would you address as property appraiser?” The candidates' answers follow.
Frank Gregoire
Frank Gregoire, a resident of St. Petersburg, has worked the past 30 years as an independent fee appraiser in Pinellas County. Since 1986, he has been president of Gregoire & Gregoire Inc., a real estate appraisal firm specializing in expert witness services and the valuation and analysis of property in Pinellas County.
Gregoire is a licensed real estate broker, state-certified appraiser and real estate appraisal instructor.
After serving in the United States Army from 1972 through 1974, he graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College in preparation for his real estate career.
On how property is appraised: My goal is to restore competency, credibility and integrity to the office and instill a culture of excellence. Establishing public trust in the property appraiser’s office is crucial. To that end, my commitment is to provide consistent and fair evaluations of all real and personal property on the Pinellas County Tax Roll. Property owners rightfully demand and deserve fairness from their elected Property Appraiser.
Use of technology in data collection and analysis will be maximized to minimize costs, ensure consistency and minimize errors. More information will be made available to the public and taxing districts; data and analysis useful for planning and forecasting.
Rather than a haphazard and improper utilization, a professional appraiser’s proper use of the principle of highest and best use will be implemented in the property appraiser’s office.
Resources will be allocated to identify inflated and fraudulent transactions and eliminate their use in valuation models.
Other services or procedures: There will be regular communication with all stakeholders by traditional and nontraditional means. The property appraiser will be visible, and not because of scandal.
To benefit the public, services duplicated by other county agencies must be consolidated. A priority will be development of a more consistent and friendly Web site to include interaction and interface with other county online services, particularly the county clerk’s site.
I will continue to be an advocate for ad valorem tax reform. Initiatives will include the proper application of the principle of highest and best use and working toward elimination of the statutory presumption of correctness. Establishment of tax fairness for investment, second home and other nonhomestead property owners is a goal.
The Pinellas County Property Appraiser’ Office will comply with the Ethics Rule of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. This will be implemented to enhance public trust in the office.
Pam Dubov
Pam Dubov, a resident of Oldsmar, has 19 years experience in appraisal and assessment administration and was a senior manager in the Pinellas Property Appraiser’s Office from 1989 to 2008. She served as a U.S. Army officer and is an experienced appraiser, computer system professional and property tax law expert.
Dubov holds the certified assessment evaluator designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers and was formerly a certified Florida evaluator, accredited senior appraiser and certified county court mediator.
Dubov has a master of arts degree from Cameron University, Lawton, Okla., a master’s degree in business administration from the Florida Institute of Technology and law degree from Stetson University College of law.
On how property is appraised: I will establish new procedures for evaluating the highest and best use component of property appraisals in response to legislation that was recently passed. I also will support legislation that levels the playing field between the property appraiser and property owners during Value Adjustment Board hearings. I will continue to recommend property tax reform measures that correct the unfair property tax burden placed on new homeowners, landlords, small businesses, and commercial property owners. I will support legislation that establishes property tax exemptions or special appraisal methodologies for affordable housing, working waterfronts, and small businesses. These methodologies must focus appraisals on the current use of properties utilized for affordable housing and by small-businesses such as restaurants, motels, and retail shops.
Other services or procedures: I will convene a property appraiser’s advisory council consisting of home owners, business people, private sector appraisers and real estate professionals to help me assess the property appraiser’s office policies, procedures, performance and Web page.
I will: 1) ensure that property is appraised to reflect the real estate market and according to Florida law; 2) provide property owners with timely, accurate information concerning new property tax exemptions and benefits so they receive every benefit to which they are entitled; 3) provide the new year’s appraised values to the public earlier than late August when Truth in Millage notices are mailed; 4) expand community outreach programs for seniors, veterans, and owners who need help in applying for exemptions; 5) operate the office in an open and transparent manner that makes our public information easily accessible; and 6) adopt responsible budgets that respect the public’s wishes to have government cost less.
Coverage of other elections continues in ensuing editions. Visit the online Election Section for more information.
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Article published on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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