To the editor:

I am writing this letter in the strongest support of Dave Mattens, who is running for re-election for the Island County Assessor’s Office.

I have known Dave for over 10 years since the time that our daughters were first involved dancing in Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker. For two years Dave and I served together on Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s board of directors; Dave in the capacity as treasurer.

When Dave was first elected as Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s treasurer, he was handed a “shoebox” full of disorganized financial statements and receipts. Dave very quickly organized the financial operations of the dance company, including taking the necessary steps to ensure that the nonprofit reporting was fully compliant with the IRS.

In less than one year Dave transformed the WIDT’s archaic book keeping methods to be entirely computer-based using a modern accounting program.

Dave served as WIDT’s treasurer between 2002 and 2006 and oversaw four years of financial growth of the dance company. What I remember most vividly about Dave’s tenure as treasurer was his impeccable detail in providing financial reports and how conscientious he was in safeguarding the company’s finances. I specifically remember Dave explaining to a principal dancer’s parents as to why they needed to pay for Nutcracker tickets in the same manner as the general public. The company grew every year that Dave served as treasurer and it is important to point out that all of his hard work was purely on a volunteer basis.

Fast-forward to 2006 when Dave was first elected Island County assessor.

Island County’s assessor’s office was utilizing outdated programs in assessing properties in Island County. Property assessments were not up to date, segregations were two to three years behind schedule and the public access to property assessments was only available using out-dated microfiche with a long trip to Coupeville.

Since Dave’s election in 2006, the assessor’s office has entered the 21st century. Property assessments are up to date and more accurately reflect their true value, data is readily accessible online to the public, segregations are now being completed in an efficient manner and the entire assessment process has been modernized using the most up to date and efficient computer programs.

In my opinion the Island County assessor’s position should be a nonpartisan elected office. Political ideology is irrelevant to the assessor’s position. Assessment of property should only utilize objective standards and the office itself needs to be run by a competent business manager with management experience and strong people skills.

Dave Mattens has a long history of competent management and people skills, starting with his 25 years of uniformed service in the Navy and NOAA Corps, his many years of volunteer service with Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, South Whidbey Island Rotary Club (including serving as their current treasurer) and most recently upgrading the Island County Assessor’s Office and database programs to properly enter the 21st century. Dave is a straight-shooter and treats everyone the same, which is so important, but often lacking in politically elected offices and positions.

I urge my fellow Island County Republicans, Democrats and independents to re-elect Dave Mattens to the position of Island County assessor. He has worked very hard for his county and its citizens and deserves our vote.

Terry W. Swanson

Clinton