Just In: Lloyd Hara says he wants to succeed Scott Noble as King County Assessor

Seattle Port Commissioner Lloyd Hara, who has been contemplating a run for King County Assessor for the last several days, just notified his supporters via email that he's reached a decision: He's going to leave the Port Commission and run for King County Assessor. Here's the text of the statement he released:

I was saddened by the drunk-driving incident and subsequent plea by King County Assessor Scott Noble. I am just thankful no one was killed.

I am also concerned that Scott's expected resignation as King County Assessor creates an abrupt vacancy in a critical post, at a critical time.

Over the course of the last several weeks and this Memorial Day weekend, I've had a number of people step forward and urge me to run for King County Assessor. It has been truly humbling.

County taxpayers are hurting. Thousands have been laid off from work and are finding it hard to find a new job to pay their mortgage and taxes. Others have taken pay cuts or seen their pay dramatically reduced.

At the same time, their property values have plunged. But these new, lower property values are not reflected in their King County property taxes. Taxpayers are being taxed as if the market was still appreciating at a double-digit clip. It isn't.

Taxpayers deserve a fair shake from the County Assessor. If there has been an across-the-board reduction in property values, local property taxes should reflect that. It is only fair.

Taxpayers count on King County government to treat them fairly and honestly. That, in part, is the paramount duty of the Assessor.

I am proud of my years as both Seattle City Treasurer and Seattle Port Commissioner. I always put the interest of taxpayers first. The same would be true if I was selected as King County Assessor.

And because I have previous experience running a public office, including as King County Auditor, I am ready to lead the office from Day One. I will submit my name for consideration of the interim appointment, along with running for the office countywide. In addition, I intend to fill out my term on the Seattle Port Commission.

I look forward to meeting people across the County, answering their questions, and asking for their support to be their next King County Assessor.

Hara's decision to run for Assessor creates a second opening on the Seattle Port Commission (fellow Commissioner Pat Davis announced her retirement some time ago). Three seats are up this year, so that leaves only one incumbent, John Creighton, seeking reelection.

It will be interesting to see who files for Hara's position. Will any of his 2005 opponents jump into the race? Time will tell.