Leon County Property Appraiser: Voters' guide to the 2024 primary election

Leon County Property Appraiser

Partisan/Universal Primary — Since only democratic candidates qualified for this contest, it will appear on all ballots regardless of party affiliation.

Who can vote: All registered voters

What's next: The winner will become the next property appraiser.

How much does this position pay: $159,988

• Subscriber exclusive: Workplace complaints, proxy war underpin Leon County property appraiser race drama
• Candidates debate: Leon County property appraiser candidates face off in candidate forum

CANDIDATES

Akin Akinyemi

Age: 64

Profession: Elected Property Appraiser, Registered Architect, and Urban Planner

Qualifications: An incumbent innovator, 25 years as a business owner, four years as a county commissioner that included three years as chairman of the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) and one year as commission chairman.

Website: Akin4Leon.com

Q: What makes you uniquely qualified to be the Leon County Property Appraiser?

A: As an architect, business owner and manager for 25 years, an urban planner and instructor for 10 years, a county commissioner, and now incumbent property appraiser with over seven years under my belt, I have the most comprehensive breadth and depth of experience. I am a proven leader. In my first year alone, I consolidated our office to one location; empowered staff to create our mission/vision statement; and implemented field mobile, which automated entry of appraisal data and maps in the field. In successive years, I lowered our operating budget and developed a strategic plan that includes leadership development and phased implementation of innovative ideas, all to better serve citizens.

Q: If you can accomplish just one thing in office, what would it be (be specific)?

A: In addition to continuing Bert Hartsfield’s legacy of exceptional customer service, my contributions in creating community outreach and appraiser innovation/mentorship programs, the one thing I would love to accomplish moving forward is to create a Tangible Personal Property (TPP) awareness and online filing system that becomes a model for the state. This is because most business owners don’t even know what TPP is, let alone their obligation to pay taxes on this aspect of their businesses. Creating an awareness and streamlining the filing process will help citizens know and understand their taxes and hopefully avoid penalties.

Kenneth “Ken” Preston

Age: 62

Profession: Retired

Qualifications: Over 20 years of work at LCPA office; Supervisor of the Exemptions Department at the Leon County Property Appraisal Office; Manager of Restaurant

Website: vote4kenpreston.com

Q : What makes you uniquely qualified to be the Leon County Property Appraiser?

A: I am uniquely qualified to be the Leon County property appraiser because I possess a strong foundation and knowledge of the property appraisal process. I have over 20 years of experience working at the Property Appraisal’s Office. I’m approachable and can communicate with clients, stakeholders, etc. effectively and clearly. My leadership and problem solving skills, along with my commitment to serving others are key qualities that I possess that will help me better serve the people of Leon County. These characteristics make me qualified to be a highly effective property appraiser for the people of Leon County.

Q: If you can accomplish just one thing in office, what would it be (be specific)?

A: I would like to provide more community engagement. It’s important that our community understand the appraisal process and their rights, along with having a property appraiser that’s approachable, fair and accessible to help meet their needs. I want to incorporate mobile offices that can go out and assist clients with their property appraisal needs. Being accessible to the community and educating them are ways to better meet the needs of the people. I’m ready to go to work for you.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County Property Appraiser: Voters' guide to the 2024 primary election