Veteran appraiser Todd Jones says he isn’t ready for retirement just yet.
“I’ve been an appraiser for more than 30 years, protecting taxpayers from inaccurate assessments the whole time,” said the political newcomer and Republican vying for Hillsborough County property appraiser. “Rather than retire, I’d like to help everyone in our county.”
Age: 52 Party affiliation: Republican Party Education: University of Florida, MBA at University of South Florida Political experience: none
He says one of the main focuses of his campaign is to look at the economy as a whole and to try to help it grow through the work of the appraiser’s office.
“I know how to use the office to grow our economy, increase assessment accuracy, and guarantee fairness and transparency,” said Jones, who faces Democratic incumbent Bob Henriquez in the Nov. 8 election.
What Jones lacks in political experience, he says he more than makes up for in his professional background. For five years, he served as the president of the Florida Association of Property Tax Professionals.
“I am the only licensed appraiser in the race,” he said. “I’m a subject-matter expert. No one is more qualified.”
When asked what it is like to run against an opponent such as Henriquez, who has been previously elected, Jones said “It’s been a struggle. Most people don’t know what the office does, or how it impacts them.”
According to campaign finance records, Jones has received more than $150,000 in donations through Oct. 14.
Doug Calderone is a student journalist attending the University of South Florida Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications. This story was produced as part of the school’s Advanced Reporting or Public Affairs class this semester, under the leadership of instructors Wayne Garcia and Wendy Whitt.
