I was a real estate appraiser in Kitsap and Island counties for 16 years. In 2009 and 2010, I had the opportunity to serve on the Island County Board of Equalization. The board provides owners the chance to challenge the values placed on their property by the Assessor’s Office.

It is, unfortunately, usually an adversarial confrontation between the owner and the appraiser responsible for valuing the property. Both are convinced they know the true market value of the property. There was one notable exception to that hostile atmosphere. Mary Wilson Engle is the senior and most experienced appraiser in the assessor’s office. At her appeals, the greetings with property owners were always friendly.

Mary had always taken time to revisit her appealed properties and review any special conditions with the owners. Because of the respect Mary showed the appellants, her board hearings were always amicable. As a board member, I was always impressed by the quality of Mary’s appraisal work and the professional presentations she made.

I am hopeful that the voters of Island County will soon elect Mary Wilson Engle as their next assessor. The high respect she shows taxpayers in her work will set the standard in her office. Her experience and professionalism are what is needed to lead the assessor’s office during these tough economic times. Vote for Mary and get the best!

John Kohlmann

Coupeville