To the editor:

If Dave Mattens is capable of being re-elected this fall, I pose a question which I trust he can readily answer.

First, a short explanation.

My property value has risen in the past three years. It is now appraised for 2011 at $922,000 by assessor Harold Hurtlein ($699,000 for land and $223,000 for improvements). This is a 10-percent increase.

At the same time, I paid for an appraisal in November 2009 and my property was valued at a total of $700,000, $144,000 less than the Island County 2010 appraisal. This month, I consulted a Realtor about selling my home and was advised that $779,000 would be a competitive asking price. My question then is how does Dave Mattens justify the 2011 appraised value of my property given all of the other information I have presented herein?

If this can be justified, then ponder the situation where my residence and property sell at $779,000. The county would really have to juggle the facts to explain how my improvements suddenly dropped to $79,000 if the land is to sustain the same $699,000 value!

What I state here regarding my property situation is reality.

Other questions for Mr. Mattens: When I appealed my case to the Board of Equalization, I was heard by only the chairman and one other person. I was told, off the record by the chairman that my appraisal of last year was not a fee appraisal.

Since I paid for this service, what is it if not a fee appraisal?

Lastly, why is it that a board of equalization can be comprised of only two persons and why is it that the chairman has remained on this board for 15 years? Should there not be a turnover from time to time to assure that current thinking will prevail?

Robert Watson

Langley