Russ Steele
Claims of deception at the local Recorder-Elections Office have been generating headlines in the newspapers and on local blogs. This time it is the Assessors race, between Sue Horne and Rolf Kleinhans, that will be generating tomorrows headlines.
Completing the Ballot Statements is an important part of the candidate selection process. The Statements are designed to help the electorate choose between candidates. The voters expects those statements to be accurate and forth right. Looking at Ballot Statements for the Assessor’s race raised a question. What is an “AT Licensed Assessor”?
Mr. Kleinhans lists his primary profession as an AT Licensed Assessor, Broker? I knew him as a Real Estate Broker, representing the Nevada County Association of Realtors on the Economic Resource Council Board of Directors. So, what is an “AT Licensed Assessor?”
According to the Election Code Subdivision (a) (3) any candidate licensed by the state to engage in a profession is entitled to list that profession on his or her Ballot Designation. Under this provision Mr. Klinehans listed his profession as an “AT Licensed Appraiser.” But, what does “AT” mean?
The Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA) lists the AT designation as -- Appraiser Trainee. Mr. Klinehans had a Trainee License for two years 1/5/2007 to 1/4/2009, which expired before he completed the required training. It was reissued on 11/30/2009, just in time for the election registration process.
However, all appraisals completed by an AT licensee appraiser must be co-signed by a Certified Residential Appraiser. Before signing off on appraisals an AT must complete 150 hours of basic education and then complete 2,000 hours of supervision under a Residential Licensed Appraiser and have no less than 12 months of acceptable appraisal experience.
It appears that Mr. Klinehan really is an Appraiser Trainee. However, it is interesting to note that a Trainee Appraiser License issued under OREA has no bearing on the qualifications for County Assessor. So, why all this effort to re-brand himself as an appraiser with training wheels on the Ballot Statement?
County Assessors are licensed under the Board of Equalization. Regardless of which one is elected, Rolf Klienhans or Sue Horne, all County Assessors have to take the same 30 day training course and then complete a full year of ongoing training before they are certified by the Board of Equalization.
Exit question: Did you know that an AT is just a deceptive real estate Appraiser with Training wheels?
Disclosure: I have donated to Sue Horne's campaign.
