Libertarian seeks openness in assessor's office

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

The Libertarian Party does not believe in property taxes, so it's a bit awkward that it has a candidate for Larimer County assessor. Nonetheless, Jesse Herron of Loveland is running for the position.

Herron, 38, said a Libertarian can bring "a fresher, more fair and equitable approach" to the assessor's job. For one thing, he said, everyone should know the formulae used to assess property in the county. "The government is not supposed to leave the people in the dark," he said.

The candidate acknowledged that the concept of property taxes is "anathema to Libertarians," but he contends that Libertarian principles can be used to make the process more fair and open.

Herron and his campaign staff are working to develop a new, simpler method for assessing property. Their proposal should be ready by mid-July. The appraisal system "needs to be simplified so people can figure it out," he said. Herron also wants the appeals period to be longer, so that assessors have time to thoroughly evaluate all protests.

A citizens' oversight committee is definitely on Herron's wish list. He said one of his goals is to make the assessor's office more open to scrutiny. "We want to shine the light in there every way we can," he said.

Asked whether he would replace the current computer program used by the assessor's office, Herron said he would "have to look at it more closely."

"If it can be adapted to our system, we won't get rid of it," he said.

Herron said one purpose in running for office is to "remind citizens they should have a voice in their government." Government isn't supposed to be confusing, he noted, and his party is trying to bring government back to the people.

Herron worked as a professional and technical trainer in law enforcement in Indiana before moving to Colorado in 2003. He has also hosted radio programs in the past. He now runs an online bookstore that offers books about the Libertarian Party and "anything else that makes people uncomfortable" in a political sense, he said.

"People should never be comfortable with their government," Herron said. "You need to get in there and ask questions, or your government will stomp right on you."