tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56315683785624366972024-02-08T02:07:08.726-08:00Barbara Bishop for Boone County AssessorYour Choice for Change, Your Voice for Change in the August 5th Democratic PrimaryBarbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-18152752506120365532008-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:002008-08-07T15:43:37.761-07:00Many Thanks to My Supporters!!<span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><strong>I want to personally thank all my supporters and the over 5,200 people in Boone County who voted for me! </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><strong>We were outspent by 12:1 running against a 20-year incumbent. I couldn't be prouder of our campaign and the issues we raised.</strong></span>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-45473444559627186392008-07-14T21:21:00.000-07:002008-07-14T21:38:16.870-07:00Assessor's Race in the News<a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jun/20080629feat003.asp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Ashland alderwoman offers county choice</span></strong> </span></a><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">Like many people across the country, Barb Bishop was horrified as she watched the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina three years ago unfold on television. The event prompted thousands of people to donate money and volunteer, and it became the catalyst to jolt Bishop into local governance.<br /><br />“It really upset me,” Bishop said. Governments at “every level dropped the ball there, I thought. I sat there going, ‘You know, if more of us would be more involved in government instead of just sitting back and saying that they are taking care of me — .’</span> </em><br /><br /><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jun/20080628news006.asp"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Sparks fly in forum for assessor candidates</span></strong> </span></a><br /><em></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>As he made his opening remarks, Boone County Assessor Tom Schauwecker said his public office was running smoothly and cited the adage "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."<br /><br />"I disagree with my opponent," challenger Barb Bishop said in her opening. "I think it is broken."<br /><br />Another audience member brought up a publicized incident from 2005 in which Schauwecker used profanity in a voice-mail message to a constituent who had called with questions about her camper’s assessed value. "In the assessor’s office under Barb Bishop, the only F-word would be f-a-i-r," she said.</em> </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/06/27/democratic-candidates-assessor-find-plenty-disagre/%22%3Ehttp://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2008/06/27/democratic-candidates-assessor-find-plenty-disagre/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Democratic candidates for assessor find plenty to disagree about</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><br /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#000000;">During their opening and closing speeches, and in response to voters’ questions, incumbent Tom Schauwecker and challenger Barbara Bishop addressed the most prominent campaign issues, including public disclosure of home sale prices, the use of vehicle identification numbers, or VINs, for vehicle assessment and invocations of “change” and “fairness.”</span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jul/20080713news006.asp"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">Home sales surveys stir challenger: Assessor says data key for valuations</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><em>● Issue: Voluntary questionnaires sent by the Boone County assessor’s office to collect sale price information about homes. Missouri law does not require public disclosure of a home’s purchase price.<br /><br />● Challenger Barbara Bishop said the questionnaires are not clearly enough labeled as voluntary and fears completed questionnaires can be misused to raise property values for other homes in a neighborhood where a sale occurs.</em><br /><br /><em>● Assessor Tom Schauwecker said his office uses the surveys to obtain market data that help make property appraisals for tax purposes. He said the information is only used to estimate value of the surveyed home.</em><br /><br />[Clarification: I would do away completely with the "certificate of value" survey my opponent currently uses. It is not mandatory; therefore only a few people turn it in; and therefore it provides incomplete and often inaccurate information about a critical issue: the sales prices of homes.]</span>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-90248851827223465662008-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:002008-06-20T09:07:14.600-07:00My Ideas for Change1) If it's still the <a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2006/mar/20060308news011.asp">largest in the state or even larger than average</a>, <strong>return some of the Boone County assessor's surplus to taxpayers</strong>. They can invest their money better than we can.<br />Avoid huge tax windfalls or sudden tax losses with consistent reassessments that accurately reflect property values, up OR down.<br /><br />2) Rethink the <a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/dec/20051205news003.asp">vehicle tax based on vehicle identification numbers </a>or VINs. That policy change led to a tax increase for thousands of hard-working Boone County residents. Tax increases should be legislated and approved by the people, but my opponent made this increase on his own. <strong>I believe in Taxation WITH Representation</strong>.<br /><br />3) Protect first time homebuyers by <strong>abolishing the <em>Certificate of Value</em></strong> that everyone gets from the assessor after they buy property. It is an unnecessary burden on homeowners and employees of the assessor's office.<br /><br />4) My opponent has <a href="http://www.stc.mo.gov/2007/3M_04-44503_personalproperty.htm">lost several large, high profile tax appeals</a> that <a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2004/nov/20041130news003.asp">tied up school funding</a> in escrow for years and helped kill high-paying jobs. I want to <strong>carefully study those appeals</strong> and others, to make sure the <a href="http://www.stc.mo.gov/2007/3M_04-44502_realproperty.htm">assessor's office has learned from its mistakes</a>. <em>We can't afford not to do the job right the first time</em>.<br /><br />5) My opponent uses a poorly advertised informal office appeal for taxpayers to appeal their taxes. It's legal, but few people know about it. Those who do have an unfair advantage. I've only seen it mentioned in the Columbia Tribune <a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/1997/may/19970512busi04.htm">once in ten years</a>. <strong>I want to make sure that all appeals processes are open, well-advertised and transparent</strong>.<br /><br />6) I will <strong>use best practices among professional appraisers</strong> for special property types, such as <a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/nov/20051122busi004.asp">historic property</a>.<br /><br />7) I want to <strong>strive for assessment consistency and treat everyone fairly</strong>. That means not over-appraising homes in low-income neighborhoods, for instance.<br /><br />8) The Board of Equalization that hears property tax appeals <a href="http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c100-199/1380000085.htm">must consist of three property owning, taxpaying citizens</a>. But in Boone County, the Board of Equalization is staffed by county commissioners AND the county assessor -- the foxes guarding the henhouse. <strong>I strongly support a citizens-only board</strong>. Possible board members might be a certified appraiser, real estate agent, and homeowner.<br /><br />Pease let me know which ideas most appeal to you. Reach me at 573-657-9521 or <a href="mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com">mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com</a>.Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-10042342695733147182008-06-19T13:20:00.000-07:002008-06-19T14:12:19.059-07:00Columbia Public Schools Listening Forum<span style="color:#000000;">I attended a very emotional forum Wednesday night hosted by the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education. I wanted to find out how closely the school district and the county assessor communicate, because property taxes mostly fund public schools. I've read several news articles, like this <strong><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jun/20080608news003.asp"><span style="color:#3333ff;">one from June 8th</span></a>,</strong> that appear to show some kind of communication.<br /><br />But after reading another<strong> </strong></span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/jun/20080617news007.asp"><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">article from June 17th</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">,</span> just a week later, I'm not sure what kind of communication.<br /><br />The first article says "administrators found out last week that the assessed valuation of property in the district has grown just <strong>3.14 percent</strong> over the past year, less than the <strong>3.5 percent</strong> increase they expected to see. "<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"District officials had even been cautiously optimistic that assessed valuation would grow as much as <strong>4.5 percent</strong>, and they planned to use the additional revenue to give employees an across-the-board pay raise."<br /><br />The second article says, "the district expects to see at least a <strong>5 percent</strong> growth in assessed valuation in 2009, a reassessment year..."</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Huh? There are four different numbers here, with four different expectations, each with its own plan. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">How did the Columbia school district get this information? If they got it from the county assessor, why isn't it consistent?<br /><br />These are all important reasons I believe the county assessor should be communicating regularly and openly with local school boards and administrators.<br /><br />I want to continue hearing from you -- your concerns about our economy, our jobs, our schools, our homes, and our families. Tonight I'll be at <strong>Twilight Fest</strong> in Downtown Columbia. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Tomorrow, I'll be attending the <strong>Muleskinner's</strong> debate between southern district county commissioner <strong>Karen Miller</strong> and her challenger, <strong>Sid Sullivan</strong>.<br /><br />I'll be at the 14th annual <strong>Hallsville Heritage Days</strong> this Saturday, June 21 and at several other events and venues that day. </span>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-53510041672053667932008-06-12T15:44:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:54:18.984-07:00Making Change and I'm Not Even Elected!<span style="color:#000000;">I'd like to congratulate my opponent for making a long-overdue change on the </span><a href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>county assessor's website</strong></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> by bringing transparency to the appeals process.<br /><br />If you </span><a href="http://bishopforboone.blogspot.com/2008/04/ideas-for-change-from-barbara-bishop.html"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">look here</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000099;">,</span> you'll see where I suggested months ago that we need to advertise and make the entire process very clear and open (platform point #6). I even use the words "informal appeal."<br /><br />And what do you know? This suddenly appears on the assessor's website:<br /><br /><em>The last day to appeal your assessment is June 30, 2008. If you do not agree with your assessment, there are three steps you can take in the appeal process.</em><br /><br /></span><a style="FONT-SIZE: 1em" onclick="option('firstStep');" href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/BCAssessor-AppWindow.asp#"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Informal Hearings</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Contact the county assessor’s office as soon as you are notified of your assessment. During an informal meeting with the assessor or one of the staff, you can learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered, and what type of records pertain to your property. Many disagreements are taken care of at this level.<br /><br /></span></em><a style="FONT-SIZE: 1em" onclick="option('secondStep');" href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/BCAssessor-AppWindow.asp#"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Board of Equalization</span></em></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><em>If not satisfied after the informal meeting, you should fill out the Boone County Board of Equalization </em></span><a style="FONT-SIZE: 1em" href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/AssessmentAppeal.pdf"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Assessment Appeal form</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000000;">. This form must be returned to the Boone County Clerk postmarked by June 30, 2008. The board will hear evidence from the assessor and you regarding the value of the property which is the subject of the appeal.<br /><br /></span></em><a style="FONT-SIZE: 1em" onclick="option('thirdStep');" href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/BCAssessor-AppWindow.asp#"><em><span style="color:#000000;">State Tax Commission</span></em></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><em>You have a right to appeal the decision of the board of equalization to the State Tax Commission by August 15 in first-class counties (which includes Boone) or St Louis County, and September 30 in other counties or 30 days after the final action of the board of equalization—whichever is later. For more information regarding appeals see the </em></span><a href="http://www.showmeboone.com/ASSESSOR/QAReAssessment.htm"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Reassessment Questions & Answers</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000000;"> or contact the </span></em><a href="http://www.showmeboone.com/redirect.asp?URL=http://www.stc.mo.gov/"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Missouri State Tax Commission</span></em></a><span style="color:#000000;"><em>. </em><br /><em></em><br /><br />Just think what I'll be able to accomplish after I become <strong>your next Boone County Assessor on August 5th!</strong> And as always, I appreciate your votes and support.</span>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-2928088008109128232008-06-12T15:14:00.000-07:002008-06-12T15:43:19.653-07:00Gary Nolan/Eagle 93.9 FM Interview<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Fireworks!</strong></span> Or should I say, <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>"firetrucks."</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">That was Drive radio talk show host Gary Nolan's humorous take on my opponents use of the F-word in a well-publicized event a couple of years ago. He couldn't use the real word so he started our interview yesterday on the <a href="http://theeagle939.com/index.php">Eagle 93.9 FM</a> with this rendition of a recorded telephone conversation between my opponent, a Hallsville constituent, and an employee in the assessor's office. <br /><br />"Give me a <em>firetrucking</em> telephone number where I can reach you at." </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"She’s got a <em>firetrucking</em> - she’s crazy."</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"I’ve left three <em>firetrucking</em> messages for her." </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Gary started the show with a bang and then we got down to business, talking about my platform for change, which includes not using the word "firetruck." <br /><br />We talked about why it's important to tax homeowners and landlords -- even though they might be right next door to each other -- using different methods. A senior citizen with a paid off home</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">has little in common with an investor and a rental.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We talked about why I'm running for assessor -- why I'm uniquely qualified to tackle some complex issues that our current foreclosure crisis will only make more complex. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We talked about my passion for fairness in public service, and the need to follow the law.</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Speaking of following the law, my opponent's loss of the now famous 3M appeal late last year came up. I talked about how I would have handled the case differently, and why the State Tax Commission ruled against him. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A couple of callers phoned in, but after my segment was over. I'm hoping to come back. Mr. Nolan suggested a debate between my opponent and I. I don't do a lot of radio interviews so I was a little nervous, but I think I said, "bring it on!" </span><br /><br /><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/dec/20051217news007.asp"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Assessor apologizes after leaving profane voice mail</strong> </span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2008/may/20080528news002.asp"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">3M wins decision on taxes. Ruling saves plant almost $1 million.</span></strong></a><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><strong><a href="http://www.stc.mo.gov/2007/3M_04-44503_personalproperty.htm"><span style="color:#000099;">3M COMPANY: State Tax Commission Ruling</span></a></strong><br /><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/dec/20051217news007.asp"></a>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-39125960726805100642008-04-25T11:28:00.000-07:002008-06-20T09:04:29.175-07:00My Ideas for Change<ul><li><span style="color:#000000;">If it's still the </span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2006/mar/20060308news011.asp"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">largest in the state or even larger than average</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;">, <strong>return some of the Boone County assessor's surplus to taxpayers</strong>. They can invest their money better than we can.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Avoid huge tax windfalls or sudden tax losses</strong> with consistent reassessments that accurately reflect property values, up OR down. </span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></li></span><li><span style="color:#000000;">Rethink the </span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/dec/20051205news003.asp"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>vehicle tax based on vehicle identification numbers</strong> </span></a><span style="color:#000000;">or VINs. That policy change led to a tax increase for thousands of hard-working Boone County residents. Tax increases should be legislated and approved by the people, but my opponent made this increase on his own. <strong>I believe in</strong> <strong>Taxation WITH Representation</strong>.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">Protect first time homebuyers by <strong>abolishing the Certificate of Value</strong> that everyone gets from the assessor after they buy property. It is an unnecessary burden on homeowners and employees of the assessor's office.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">My opponent has </span><a href="http://www.stc.mo.gov/2007/3M_04-44503_personalproperty.htm"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">lost several large, high profile tax appeals</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"> that </span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2004/nov/20041130news003.asp"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">tied up school funding</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"> in escrow for years and helped kill high-paying jobs. I want to carefully study those appeals and others, to make sure the </span><a href="http://www.stc.mo.gov/2007/3M_04-44502_realproperty.htm"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">assessor's office has learned from its mistakes</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;">. <strong>We can't afford not to do the job right the first time</strong>.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">My opponent uses a poorly advertised informal office appeal for taxpayers to appeal their taxes. It's legal, but few people know about it. Those who do have an unfair advantage. I've only seen it mentioned in the <em>Columbia Tribune</em> </span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/1997/may/19970512busi04.htm"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">once in ten years</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;">. I want to make sure that <strong>all appeals processes are open, well-advertised and transparent</strong>.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">I will use <strong>best practices</strong> among professional appraisers for special property types, such as </span><a href="http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2005/nov/20051122busi004.asp"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">historic property</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;">.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">I want to strive for <strong>assessment consistency</strong> and <strong>treat everyone fairly</strong>. That means not over-appraising homes in low-income neighborhoods, for instance.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">The Board of Equalization that hears property tax appeals </span><a href="http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c100-199/1380000085.htm"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">must consist of three property owning, taxpaying citizens</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;">. But in Boone County, the Board of Equalization is staffed by county commissioners AND the county assessor -- the foxes guarding the henhouse. <strong>I strongly support a citizens-only board. </strong>Possible board members might be a certified appraiser, real estate agent, and homeowner. </span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br />Please let me know which ideas most appeal to you. Reach me at <strong>573-657-9521</strong> or </span><a href="mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com</span></strong></a><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;">.</span> </span></li></ul>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-82313265715435472942008-04-16T22:42:00.001-07:002008-04-16T22:43:53.270-07:00Meet Me at the Centralia Kiwanis ClubI'll be at the Centralia Kiwanis Club at Noon,<br /> <strong><br /></strong><strong>Thursday, May 15: Barbara Bishop -- Why I Want to Be Your New Assessor</strong>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-12637697972188869092008-04-15T12:39:00.000-07:002008-04-15T12:55:33.477-07:00Barb Bishop: Tips for Making Tax Time Less Taxing<span style="color:#000000;"><strong>It's that time again -- April 15th,</strong> when Federal and State income taxes come due for another year.<br /><br />So let's put those property taxes to work! </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Boone County assessor candidate Barb Bishop would like to remind that property taxes are tax deductible and that senior citizens and disabled persons may be eligible for property tax and rent credits through the State of Missouri.<br /><br />"I think it's important that government help keep people informed," Bishop said. "Part of that role is keeping people informed about government itself."<br /><br />"The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim gives credit to certain senior citizens and 100 percent disabled individuals for a portion of the real estate taxes or rent they have paid for the year," according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. "The credit is for a maximum of $750 and can only be claimed on the home they occupied during the period being claimed. The actual credit is based on the amount of real estate taxes or rent paid and total household income."<br /><br />Now a tax credit is different from a tax deduction. A credit comes right off the tax owed. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A deduction comes off taxable income. Real estate and personal property taxes are deductible on Federal income tax form 1040. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">"Real property taxes that are subject to state, local, or foreign property tax are deductible in the year you pay or accrue them," according to the IRS. "Personal property taxes are deductible if the tax is imposed on a yearly basis and is based on the assessed value of the property."<br /><br />Not deductible: Taxes not based on the value of the property and local taxes imposed for the sake of improvement, such as for streets, sidewalks, and sewer lines.<br /><br />For more information on property tax credits and deductions, please visit:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://dor.mo.gov/tax/personal/ptc/"><strong>Missouri Property Tax Credit<br /></strong></a><br /><strong><a href="http://www.1040.com/site/FederalTaxes/Deductions/DeductibleTaxes/tabid/143/Default.aspx">Deductible Real Property Taxes<br /><br /></a></strong><strong><br /><a href="mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com">Contact Barb</a><br /></strong><strong><br /><br /><br /></strong><strong></strong>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5631568378562436697.post-69077284033611400022008-03-25T10:07:00.000-07:002008-04-15T12:47:48.456-07:00PRESS RELEASE: Ashland city councilwoman Barbara Bishop files for Boone County Assessor<span style="color:#000000;">For the first time in years, Boone County assessor Tom Schauwecker has a challenger for the August 5th primary election.<br /><br /><strong>Certified real estate appraiser</strong> and <strong>Ashland city council member Barbara Bishop </strong>has filed to run for the position as a <strong>Democrat</strong>.<br /><br />"Right now, our economy is hurting. Homes are in foreclosure, and job-killing property taxes have put additional pressure on high-paying employers like 3M," said Bishop, a former member of Ashland's Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks Board. "</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Boone County needs an assessor who will protect schools and public safety by assessing property fairly</strong>."<br /><br />Properly appraising property -- from cars to homes to livestock -- is at the heart of the assessor's job.<br /><br />With thirteen years of appraisal experience, Bishop's plan for the county assessor's office includes her most important promise: <strong>to treat constituents and employees with respect and dignity</strong>.<br /><br />She also wants to investigate rescinding the vehicle tax based on vehicle identification numbers or VINs, which led to a net tax increase for thousands of Boone County residents. Bishop instead<br />advocates letting voters or the county commission decide. "<strong>Tax increases should be voted on</strong>," Bishop said.<br /><br />Other ideas include making sure the assessor's office follows the law and avoids being overturned on appeal.<br /><br />"The current administration has lost several large, high-profile tax appeals that tied up school funding in escrow for years," Bishop said. "I want to carefully study those appeals, and make sure the assessor's office has learned from its mistakes. <strong>We can't afford not to do the job right the first time</strong>."<br /><br />Doing the job right the first time -- through planning -- has been a hallmark of Bishop's service in Ashland, a southern Boone County town nestled amidst a population of nearly 10,000 people, many of whom work in Columbia.<br /><br />In a nod to good governance reported just this week, Bishop has joined fellow city council members to partner with the Southern Boone County School District on a major road construction project "that will provide a dramatic improvement," school board president and Commerce Bank executive Joe Miller told the </span><a href="http://www.bocojo.com/"><em><span style="color:#000000;">Boone County Journal</span></em></a><span style="color:#000000;">, Ashland's local newspaper.<br /><br />Bishop has also been a key supporter of <strong>building coalitions through communications</strong>, advocating for the creation of an economic development commission that included elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce, groups, schools, and most importantly, what she calls "our bright, talented citizens."<br /><br />To the office of Boone County assessor, Bishop wants to bring the same attention to details --and people.<br /><br /><strong>"I'm running on a platform of professionalism, fairness, and openness,"</strong> Bishop said</span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>.<br /></strong><br /><strong>CONTACT: Barbara Bishop, 573-657-9521 or</strong></span><br /><a href="mailto:bishopforboone@yahoo.com"><strong>bishopforboone@yahoo.com</strong></a>Barbara Bishophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15860746168386323903noreply@blogger.com1