Assessor candidates discuss taxes, tell jokes

The candidates for Doña Ana County assessor revealed stark differences during Tuesday’s League of Women Voters forum.

Democrat Gary Pérez, the incumbent, touted years of experience at every level in the assessor’s office, and said his only goal is to do a good job.

“I am a candidate who has experience,” Pérez said. “I’m not a politician. I’m a person who cares about that office.”

Republican challenger H.F. “Junior” Adams said he is “not a ‘yes’ man” and is the candidate voters should pick if they want ethical government.

“I want to bring integrity, honesty and fairness,” Adams said.

Pérez said he is currently implementing a new computer system in the office that will replace two separate, older systems, which will mean better appraisals and more accurate records.

Adams said Pérez’s office is not doing a good job of informing people about exemptions that exist. He said he would do a better job of that, and also wants to push for additional exemptions for veterans.

Adams also said he believes property should be taxed based on the price paid by the owner, not market value.

“It’s not their fault if the price goes up,” Adams said. “… I don’t like taxes, and I wouldn’t raise them if I didn’t have to.”

Pérez said state law dictates that property values be assessed based on market value, not the price someone paid for it.

The candidates were also asked how they feel about taxing fraternal orders. Adams got into the race in part because one of the groups he belongs to was taxed at a higher rate than he believes is appropriate.

Pérez said the state’s tax code doesn’t exempt fraternal orders from paying property taxes. To be exempt, groups have to meet certain requirements that prove they are charitable or educational.

Adams said the groups he belongs to are charitable, but did not address whether they met or worked to meet the tax code requirements.

“I talked to Gary about this, and I didn’t get anywhere with him,” Adams said.

Both candidates were asked if they plan to use the position as a stepping stone to higher office.

“I want to be the governor,” Adams said, which elicited laughter from all, including himself.

“I’m not looking for anything after this,” he said a moment later.

Pérez said he’s not using the office as a stepping stone and said, if re-elected, he doesn’t know what he’ll do when his next term runs out in four years.

Pérez said property owners pay more when they elect a good assessor.

“Asking you to vote for me is like asking a chicken to vote for Colonel Sanders, but somebody has to do it,” he said.