I would like to be able to tell you how good things are within our profession.  I would like to say that we have a state where all assessors yearn for increased educational opportunities, where state legislators understand the real property tax, its implications, its importance and the need to reform the entire system.  I can not!

I would like to say there is hope, that we as an association have the expertise, knowledge, experience and most of all, the commitment, drive and desire to endure this journey.  We can, we must and we shall endure.  To this I can say yes.  Rather than complain into perpetuity about yet another bad exemption bill after its passage, we should use that same energy to educate members of the legislature.  How many of us can say that we have given one-hundred percent of our efforts to improving the system?

This year, your association saw the passage of their first bill, that is now law.  It serves as water that has primed the pump.  With your help, there is no limit to what we can do to improve the real property tax system.  But, without the help of every member, I fear we will delay until tomorrow, what we could accomplish today.

Many past presidents have created improvements through their tireless efforts.  I am blessed to follow in the footsteps of a truly great president, Roger Tibbetts.  His quiet demeanor and total dedication has created an environment for positive change.  We must and will continue to pursue what is right.  It may not be politically popular, but it will be right.  Even when it is the most difficult path and possibly the most painful, everything good emanates from that which is right.

This year, your association has set a legislative agenda that is ambitious, but achievable.  We seek change for the betterment of taxpayers, the true stakeholders.  Your executive board members are an extremely dedicated group of unique individuals who possess the energy to pursue your ideas and ideals.  With this in mind, I am hereby appointing each member of this association as a member of the legislative committee.  That means that we all must do our part to ensure success.

When success is achieved, we can all be proud.  Where it is lacking, we shall take pride in knowing that we gave our all, and we will move forward, never looking back and having no regrets.  If we give it our best, you can hold your heads high and can celebrate our effort.  Success is permanent, while failure is only temporary.

We must all promote and take full advantage of our many educational opportunities.  Core members of each county association must reach out to our newer members and the veteran assessor alike.  Become a family and support each other.  Attend events like Cornell as a family.  Strong county organizations make our state association even stronger.  And a strong state organization provides a much stronger voice in Albany.  I challenge each of you to go the extra mile.  Participate, rise above mediocrity, and most of all, stand up for what is right.  Thank you for your support and your dedication.  Rise up and be counted.