Swearing-In Ceremony Speech
January 6, 2025 @ Noon
Good afternoon, everyone!
Thank you, Supervisor Curt Hagman, for that warm introduction and for serving as our Master of Ceremonies and thank you Supervisor Joe Baca for leading us in the invocation, and Supervisor Paul Cook for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and to Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, Sheriff Shannon Dicus, District Attorney Jason Anderson, and Auditor/Controller/Treasurer Ensen Mason for you presence and support…., and A special thanks to Chairperson and Supervisor Dawn Rowe for administering my oath of office.
Honoring Our Legacy
As I assume the role of Assessor/Recorder/Clerk today, I wish to honor the late Senator and Assessor Bob Dutton. His unwavering dedication to fiscal responsibility and public service continues to inspire us. Completing the remaining two years of his term is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, one that I embrace with utmost seriousness.
I am deeply honored to have Andrea Dutton, the late Senator’s wife, here today. Andrea, your presence reminds us all of the legacy Bob left behind.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Assessor Chris Wilhite for his decades of service and exemplary leadership to this county. His commitment to this office over the past two years has been invaluable.
Family and Support
At this time I would like to recognize my family : [Introduce family members here]
I also want to acknowledge Juan Garay, a remarkable partner whose unwavering patience has been a source of inspiration throughout my campaign. Thank you, Juan, for your guidance and belief in our mission.
To my campaign team and supporters—together we have made this day possible. For your tireless dedication and shared vision, I am profoundly grateful for all that you have done.
Commitment to County Employees
To the nearly 300 employees in the Assessor/Recorder/Clerk’s Office…., Your continued expertise and dedication are vital to our success. I look forward to working together to serve the public with excellence.
As one of three offices mandated by the state constitution, the Assessor’s Office identifies, assesses, and values all property within the county. I pledge to ensure that these processes are conducted with fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
The Recorder’s Office preserves permanent and critical documents, such as property transactions and vital records. Similarly, the County Clerk’s Office offers essential services like issuing marriage licenses, managing legal filings, and filing fictitious business names. Together, we will continue to operate with the highest standards of trust and accountability.
Historic Residential Property Tax Relief
Within my first few months in office, I will introduce a significant temporary Proposition 8 residential property tax reduction to provide immediate relief to homeowners. This automatic adjustment—requiring no application—will lower residential valuations across the county, delivering real savings to families when they need it most.
Additionally, I remain committed to fair assessments for commercial, industrial, multi-family properties, and mining operations. For instance, the recent $20 million reduction in the valuation of “The Crossings” in Redlands demonstrates the importance of data-driven valuations.
To enhance transparency and promote collaboration, I will establish Round Table Assessor Advisory Committees (RTAs) to engage stakeholders and ensure that we address the unique needs of our diverse communities.
Building on Success
San Bernardino County’s 2024 Assessment Roll surpassed $340 billion, representing over 827,000 parcels. This achievement underscores the critical role our office plays in supporting the county’s thriving economy. Cities like Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Fontana are driving significant development, and I look forward to working closely with the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Executive Officer, and all our countywide elected officials to build on this success.
Closing
As I conclude, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you…., Your unwavering support, dedication, and shared passion for my campaign have been the driving forces behind this achievement.
Together, we’ve reached a significant milestone…., but our work is far from over! Through our shared faith in God…., commitment to good governance…., and dedication to fiscal responsibility…., we will continue striving to meet the aspirations of every resident we serve.
Thank you for your belief in my mission and for standing by me through the journey. Your participation in the democratic process inspires hope and engagement in our community.
May God bless San Bernardino County as we embark on this new chapter together.
Thank you.
