Leon County property appraiser candidates face off in candidate forum

Two candidates with history squared off at Tuesday's forum to showcase why they're the best person to serve as Leon County's property appraiser.

Viewers of the Tallahassee Democrat debate saw both similarities and differences between incumbent Akin Akinyemi, a former county commissioner who was elected in 2016 and again in 2020 to the property appraiser seat, and challenger Ken Preston, a political novice who worked for nearly 20 years in the Property Appraiser's Office.

Effective leadership was a trait they said they both embodied and would use to evolve the office's visibility, innovation and community outreach to reach more residents.

Though, they didn't agree on how to get there.

They also didn't agree on whether it's appropriate to share personal opinions on community matters like emerging developments, which Akinyemi has publicly done.

They're also on opposite ends of support for a proposed amendment that requires an annual inflation adjustment on two $25,000 homestead exemptions and the impact of Amendment Five on property owners verses renters if it passes.

Cordial and collegial to one another, they both said they didn't have any personal gripes. However, toward the forum's end when candidates were allowed to ask each other one burning question, Akinyemi didn't hold back and hinted his opponent's campaign is a retaliation race.

"Why in the hell would you run against somebody who's been that kind to you and helped you to mitigate all the things you've been through," said Akinyemi, referring to Preston's uncerimonious exit from the Property Appraiser's Office after two employees filed formal complaints against him, prompting an external investigation. Findings from the 20-page report led Akinyemi, who in 2017 promoted Preston to exemptions and customer service supervisor, to give Preston the choice of being terminated or resign.

Preston chose to retire.

Subscriber exclusive: Workplace complaints, proxy war underpin Leon County property appraiser race drama

During the forum, Akinyemi said he tried "for like five years to save (Preston) from himself" and gave him second chances many times, adding "eventually they are going to do themselves in."

"Nobody's perfect," Akinyemi said. "You read the report ... Why would you run against somebody other than for revenge?"

Preston said he's not running to get back at anyone and didn't have any personal issues with Akinyemi.

"Never had any problems with the Akin's work. I always thought that we're fine in that aspect," Preston said. "But when you have someone that's not doing the job, (who doesn't) have the leadership experience, you have a revolving door … Those are things you have to really be mindful of. When the community is reaching out and said, 'Hey, I think you could do a better job.' I think we can make a difference."

Tuesday's live-broadcast candidate forum was sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU and the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee. A rebroadcast of the forum can be seen on the tallahassee.com , our Facebook Page and on our YouTube Page .

THREE TAKEAWAYS

Why are they running to be Leon County's Property Appraiser?

Akinyemi said he's been a Tallahassee resident for nearly 40 years and illustrated his commitment to this community, adding he's been involved as a businessman, as a former county commissioner and architect by trade with five advanced degrees and professional certificates since taking office.

"When (Bert) Hartsfield retired in 2016, I looked very closely and I know my broad experience as an architect, commissioner and on the adjustment board were very, very relevant to this race," Akinyemi said. "I was able to convince people that I'm the best person for the job. Since I've been on this job, I'll continue to prove beyond any doubt my ability to do this job."

Preston said he believes he can "make a big difference" in the Property Appraisers Office to educate residents on the functions, duties and concerns that can be fielded by the office.

"I've made a difference throughout this community in the last 30 or 40 years here in Tallahassee, and I want to keep making a difference," he said.

How will Amendment 5 affect property owners and renters?

Voters will decide in the November General Election if they support Amendment 5 , which could save money for property owners who apply for homestead property tax exemptions and cost local governments millions in reduced revenues.

The proposal, ( HJR 7017 ,), requires annual adjustments to a chunk of the homestead exemption for inflation increases. The measure would reduce non-school local government property taxes by nearly $23 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year when it goes into effect, said a legislative analysis . The report estimates those losses to be nearly $112 million within a few years.

Akimyemi said that while the "intent is well giving" and would benefit homeowners, he's apprehensive about supporting it but would remain neutral.

"People should decide," he said. "However, they decide (on it), we will administer it. But personally, I'm very apprehensive of its impact on our local government's ability to get everything it needs and also on our ability to administer this properly."

Preston said he supports Amendment Five: "Anything you can do to help the citizens of Tallahassee and to make a difference in people's lives. Whether you're poor, you're rich or whatever, it makes a difference, and every dollar counts these days."

How did each candidate handle challenging property appraisals and what made it challenging?

Preston offered an example of what he deemed to be an anomaly that had the potential to impact adjacent properties in the Macon community, a small area behind North Florida Christian School. He said most of the homes in this area were valued at $140,000 to $160,000 and a resident built a home valued at more than $450,000.

He said the appraisal for the property had to be based on the comparable company analysis or "comps" for the designated area and not what the built property may be assessed at in upscale neighborhoods like Golden Eagle and other areas.

"You really have to factor in all the components," Preston said. "We can't go apples to apples when you're building in a neighborhood like that."

Akinyemi didn't agree with his opponent's solution and fired back by saying "Mr. Preston should know better." He said an analysis of qualified sales would be used to determine the appraisal.

"We have a staff member that look at sales very, very closely," Akinyemi said, adding the office routinely handles difficult appraisals, including shopping malls. "When people don't like our appraisal, we say, 'Please, come to us,' " and the issues are thoroughly reviewed.

CANDIDATE FORUM SCHEDULE

(Click on the links on this online story or watch the full forums on our YouTube Page)

• June 25: Tallahassee City Commission, Seat 1
• June 26: Leon County School Board District 2
• June 26: Leon County School Board District 4
• June 27: Leon County Schools Superintendent Democratic Primary
• June 27: Tallahassee City Commission, Seat 2
• July 16: Leon County Property Appraiser
• July 16: Leon County Judge Seat 4

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon County property appraiser candidates face off in candidate forum