MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

ROGER E.  TIBBETTS, IAO

I was once asked if I was on a moral trip when approached by a man in a parking lot.  I asked what he meant and he pointed to my license plate, which says ^"VALUES^".

I would like to talk to you about VALUES as they relate to what we do and the office we hold. 

The highest moral values, in dealing with the public, reinforce confidence in government.  In dealing with peers, it allows openness and the sharing of ideas and principles. 

Consider the value of professionalism - explore all your horizons, become an IAO, get licensed as an appraiser, and excel; the value of obligation - serve and support your state and local organizations, teach and assist other assessors; the value of participation - get involved in programs and share your particular talents; the value of input - your input is an asset, share it; and the value of leadership - provide guidance on committees and serve as chairman or officers of organizations.

I hear from people that they don't have time to serve on a committee or become involved in our Association.  I know for a fact that if you want a job done well you give it to a busy person.  Your Association, this Association, needs your help in filling vacancies on the Executive Board and on committees.  I encourage you to apply and become a member who cares enough to contribute a little more.  The rewards are fulfilling and your personal VALUES are raised to a higher level.

My participation on this Board has been busy with commit-tees and meetings of RPTAC and most recently serving on the Subcommittee on Equalization Rates.  We are seeing a willingness by ORPS to sit down and talk out the strategies and policies of the future.  This new working relationship has fostered a better understanding of each others office and problems needing solutions.  We have come to consensus and agreement on a frame-work for changing the way equalization rates are established in the near future.  This dialogue and effort must continue.

This Association needs to become more proactive instead of reactive to the issues of the future.  In that light, I am appointing a select committee to assist our Association in establishing a position on the function of assessing in the next 10 years.  This committee will explore current options offered by ORPS, their pros and cons and costs attributable to the change required.  Our position must reflect what is best for the taxpayers of New York State, not just our Association and not just the cost savings to ORPS in creating equalization rates.  Our leadership is imperative if we are to survive the decade with some home rule left to local government.

Another committee I will appoint will focus on ^"run away" Boards of Review, a syndrome being experienced after revaluation projects.  This committee will recommend solutions and an appeal process available to assessors and municipalities against the actions of BAR's exceeding their authority.  B AR's have little training compared to assessors and have far too much latitude in making decisions.  They must be made accountable.  This committee will also explore the Small Claims process and the possibility of an appeal.

I value serving on this Executive Board and as your President.  I assure you that this organization is well managed and guided by people with VALUES, dedicated to your best interest in everything they do for this Association.  The highest VALUES are represented here, but only with your support and participation.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President.