A competitive battle is brewing for the position of Crook County Assessor for the first time in at least four decades.

Incumbent Brian Huber is running against challenger Jon Soliz, currently employed as Crook County’s lead appraiser. Cheryl Seely, Crook County clerk, went as far back as the late 1970s without finding a contested race for county assessor.

Huber, 49, has served as Crook County’s assessor for the last five years. He has worked for the county assessor’s office for 19 years overall, in a variety of roles. Huber was appointed as county assessor in 2013, and ran unopposed at the start of a new term a year later.

“I enjoy explaining complex issues to people,” he said.

During his time as county assessor, Huber’s office received the Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration in 2016. Crook County was the only Oregon county to appear on the International Association of Assessing Officer’s list of certified cities and counties.

Huber added that he reduced the office materials budget by more than 30 percent, and has collaborated with Jefferson County to offer mapping services for less money. If elected to another term, he said he would focus on digitizing the county’s filing and appeals systems.

Huber added that his experience and efforts to treat everyone fairly set him apart as a candidate.

“I’ve been there for 19 years,” he said. “I have an intimate knowledge of every position in the office.”

Soliz, 50, has worked in the assessor’s office since 2006, most recently as the county’s lead appraiser. Soliz said he’s running for the position to change the climate and perception of the office, which he said could make more of an effort to reach out to residents and businesses.

“Our office can do more; our leadership can do more,” Soliz said.

If elected, Soliz said he would focus on strengthening ties with Crook County businesses, potentially by holding educational classes or workshops for business leaders and other residents. He said he would support partnering with local schools to offer educational courses about the assessor’s office for students.

Soliz added that he would like to go back to a system where businesses can self-report personal property for tax purposes, and said the county’s current system is unnecessarily onerous.

While he acknowledged that Huber has experience in the role, Soliz said his willingness to work with the local community helps him stand out.

“It’s what you do with your experience that matters,” he said.

The nonpartisan election will take place on May 15.

—Reporter: 541-617-7818, shamway@bendbulletin.com