Following 20 years in office, Warren County Property Assessor Carolyn Miller is announcing her retirement, opening what is expected to be a hotly contested race to elect her successor.
Four potential candidates have wasted no time and have already picked up their qualifying papers.
“The voters of Warren County have given me several terms and I appreciate them for that, but time has come for me to retire,” Miller said. “I have enjoyed working in the office and for the people of Warren County and I wish the best to whoever the new assessor will be and will work with that person in every way for a smooth transition.”
While announcing her retirement, Miller will continue to serve as assessor for almost a year as her term does not expire until Sept. 1, 2012. In the meantime, there will be two elections to determine who will become the first new assessor in two decades.
The first is the Democratic primary in March. The second is the general election in August.
“The Democratic party has decided to have a primary for the position, while the Republicans are expected to caucus and choose a nominee,” said election administrator Donna Smith. “The deadline for qualification in the property assessor race will be Dec. 8 at noon, regardless of whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or independent.”
Qualifying papers are now available at the election office. The early bird candidates are Jacob Smith, Morris D. Bond, Randy England and Beth Martin. All four have indicated they plan to run as Democrats. Smith and Martin have already set up campaign treasurers.