Leon County’s long-time property appraiser wants his second-in-command to be his successor.
This is Bert Hartsfield’s final term as property appraiser and he’s throwing his support behind Deputy Appraiser Doug Will.
“I want to make sure that those who know Doug and see Doug and look to my replacement recognize he’s probably the most qualified individual to step into my place,” Hartsfield said while meeting with local reporters.
Will said he’s got the experience for the job.
“Have you ever appraised 110,000 parcels in a year? We have to do that every year,” he said.
Will’s opponents in the Democratic primary, former County Commission Akin Akinyemi and Clay Ketchum.
“Bert’s deputy has assessment administration experience but it fundamentally goes to what is the value of the property,” Ketchum said a few hours after Hartsfield endorsed Will.
The August primary’s winner will face No Party Affiliate Robert Lane in the November Election. He wasn’t bothered by the Hartsfield endorsement.
“I think (Will’s) a worthy opponent first of all and second of all I expect that,” Lane said.