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Issue: 1079 Date: 4/28/2011
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Jake Zimmerman, the first elected assessor in St. Louis County, takes office
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| Jake Zimmerman was sworn in to the office of St. Louis County assessor on Wednesday (04/20/2011). |
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Jake Zimmerman was sworn in Wednesday as the first elected assessor in St. Louis County in more than 50 years. A crowd packed the County Council chambers for the event, which included the ceremonial pomp of a color guard, the singing of the national anthem and opening and closing prayers.
The invocation was given by Rabbi Susan Talve, followed by the a cappella singing of the national anthem by Gustavo Perez Diaz, the presentation of the colors by the St. Louis County Police Color Guard and with the benediction given by the Rev. Earl Nance.
Zimmerman, 36, vowed to treat all residents equally, "whether their house is worth $50,000 or $5 million."
"I am committed to fair assessments and customer service," he said.
Zimmerman, a Democrat, is a former state representative from Olivette. He scored an easy victory in the April 5 election over his Republican rival, L.K. "Chip" Wood.
When asked if current staff members will stay on board, he said there could be some changes in responsibilities and some shuffling around. There will also be new hires to fill existing vacancies.
Until a thorough review of systems and processes are completed, Zimmerman said, he cannot predict staff changes.
"The sooner the better, but we should be realistic. We're in the middle of reassessment season, and right now property owners are starting to get those notices in the mail," Zimmerman said. "So, the first thing the office has to do is get the job done and make sure every taxpayer is getting treated fairly."
Zimmerman said his "grand plans for building new and better systems, to some extent, are going to have a trial by fire." The assessment process will assist with this, he said.
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| (left) May Wu (Director of St. Louis Chinese American News) and Chalana Oliver who is the political director for Jake Zimmerman's campaign for St. Louis County Assessor at Swearing-In Ceremony on Wednesday. |
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