Karen Montoya Stresses Tax Equity in Re-Election Campaign for Bernalillo Co. Assessor

Karen Montoya launched her re-election campaign for Bernalillo County Assessor at the Artichoke Café in Albuquerque on February 3rd. Turnout was good and included former Ambassador Edward Romero, as well as many other enthusiastic Dems ready to work to hard to assure her a second term at the helm of the Assessor's office.

Montoya was elected Bernalillo County Assessor in 2006 with a promise to “do right by the taxpayer.” Karen say she's committed to ensuring that Bernalillo County residents are fairly assessed and taxed.

Assessor Montoya been lauded many times for leadership and innovation at the Assessor’s office during her first term. Montoya says her priorities during her second term will include taxpayer equity, making sure our seniors and veterans benefit from allowable exemptions, and continuing a professional and citizen-friendly office.

Late last year, Assessor Montoya decided to act on court decisions that ruled new property owners were being taxed unfairly. Montoya decided she would help to eliminate “tax lightning” and would roll back property tax values. Thanks to Karen’s no-nonsense approach in Bernalillo County, policy makers at the state level have started work on crafting constitutional remedies to fix the tax lightning problem for all of New Mexico. A number of bills related to property taxes have been introduced at the Roundhouse during the current legislative session.

“If taxpayers are being unfairly taxed, I’m the first to make it right,” says Assessor Montoya.

Karen has also sought the expansion of property tax breaks for those on limited incomes. Now seniors in Bernalillo County who make less than $32,000 a year can “freeze” their property values.

The County Assessor's Office determines the property value of homes, businesses and other taxable property in Bernalillo County. The Assessor's Office also prepares the tax roll for the County Treasurer on real property (land and improvements); personal property (business equipment); livestock and manufactured homes.

Karen Montoya has more than 18 years of experience in appraisal and assessment administration at both the state and local levels. She’s an Albuquerque native and has two daughters.

No other candidates have announced their candidacy for this seat. The Democratic Primary election is June 1, 2010.