James S. Bone for Assessor

The tense relationship between Assessor Bradley L. Jacobs and the county supervisors suddenly culminated earlier this year when the longtime incumbent quietly gave up his bid for reelection. That opened the door to a crowded field of candidates. It also raised the prospect that the manner in which this important office operates could drastically change.

Things could not have been much worse. The supervisors were openly irritated at Jacobs’ unwillingness to apply for a $6.8-million state loan, which eventually could have turned into a grant, to help process tax appeals. Their pique over the way the assessor’s office dealt with others in county government prompted a dramatic decision in February. Candidates were put on notice that they faced a potential cut in salary based on their job performance.

Jacobs’ withdrawal has put seven people in the field, three from within the office. Of the in-house candidates, Webster J. Guillory, managing deputy assessor, most represents the status quo, and a continuation of current policies. Larry L. Bales, deputy county assessor, is a self-styled whistle-blower. Steven D. Grimm, deputy county assessor, acknowledges that the office needs to improve its relations with others in county government.

The deterioration of relationships with the county is serious enough that new leadership from outside the office is needed. Three of the remaining four candidates look interesting: Bruce Peotter, Irvine finance commissioner; Jeff Scott Reed, a real estate agent, and James S. Bone, an accountant. Peotter and Reed carry some political clout with their various backers; Peotter has the Republican Lincoln Club’s endorsement and Reed is backed by the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. But Bone, a property appraiser and certified public accountant, offers the depth of experience needed to lead the office into a new era.

Bone was a member of the Orange County Assessment Appeals Board for 11 years and helped rewrite the Assessors’ Appraisal Handbook for the California Board of Equalization. He has written two books on real estate assessment in California. Bone supplements these qualifications with a facility for explaining arcane subjects to the lay person. He has a disposition and style well-suited to opening up his office for public accessibility and better relations within county government.

This office can benefit from a new style of leadership, where technical expertise is enhanced by a commitment to openness and public education. For this time, and this assignment, Bone is the right choice.