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I would like to clarify the actual facts surrounding some of the remarks made by Guilderland Councilman Mark Grimm in a letter in last week’s Enterprise, something I feel compelled to do because of their inaccuracy. Councilman Grimm states, “The real assessment issue centers on how Supervisor Runion manages the assessment process”. The reality of the matter is that I am the sole assessor of the town of Guilderland, a position I was appointed to by a vote of the entire town board, not merely of the Supervisor. I, not Supervisor Runion, manage the assessment process, and I do so under a clearly defined system of rules and regulations established by the New York State Office of Real Property Services, which reviews the adherence of my office to those rules and regulations on a regular basis. Property owners who have questions or concerns on their assessments may deal directly with me at any time. If I am unable to resolve their concerns, they are free to request an appearance before the Board of Assessment Review, which is also appointed by the entire Town Board. They are also free to seek relief in Small Claims Court, and either my office or the NY State Office of Real Property Services will provide them with information on how to pursue this method. There is indeed an assessment process, and it is clearly defined. It is also clear that this process is in no way subservient to the personal wishes of this or any other Supervisor. Mr. Grimm was appointed upon his election to the town board as the board liaison to the assessor’s office. Over the past 15 months, he has visited the office only once. I do not know whether his inaccurate statement was based on limited knowledge or was politically motivated, but I wanted to take the opportunity to set the record straight. Residents have the right to expect equitable assessments, and my staff and I work hard to provide them with that fairness. Under the current administration, we do so without interference in any manner from the Supervisor’s Office. John J. Macejka, Jr. Assessor, Town of Guilderland
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