Longtime King County leader and former journalist John Wilson announced his candidacy for King County Assessor.
Wilson will challenge incumbent Lloyd Hara, who was first elected in 2009. The assessor’s office handles assessments for residential and commercial property.
Wilson, of Seattle, has an extensive background in public policy and government —including leading reforms in the Assessor’s office as the former chief deputy assessor. A onetime chief of staff to former County Executive Ron Sims, Wilson has worked with a wide range of elected officials on public policy and legislative initiatives locally, regionally and statewide.
“King County has over two million residents and tens of thousands of businesses who deserve an assessor who will stand up for their best interests,” said Wilson, who is making his first run for public office, in a Monday media release. “While the economy is rebounding, we continue to see disparities in housing affordability and access. Too many seniors are losing their exemptions and watching their largest investment slip away.
“Young folks are unable to afford home ownership in our county. Housing affordability needs to be forefront in discussions on how to make King County a more attractive place to live and raise a family. As King County Assessor, I will work with elected officials from both sides of the aisle to ensure we protect senior exemptions and stand up for our most vulnerable.”
Wilson works as part of King County’s Information Technology (KCIT) department’s management team. Prior to joining KCIT leadership, he was chief deputy assessor for nearly four years
He also has worked as a reporter, producer and executive producer at KING 5 News, The Seattle Times and Seattle Weekly. His broadcast work has appeared on KING, ABC Network News, NBC Network News and CNN.
For more information, go to Wilson4Assessor.com.
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