EDITOR:
Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid has talked about two types of people: The Givers and The Takers. He says it is more calm and productive to work with the Givers.
If you have seen Dagmar Wood’s postings, she says that there needs to be a complete culture change in the Platte County Assessor’s office. And she plans to make that change as soon as she is elected to the office. She says there is rampant taxpayer disrespect and, by golly, she’s going to change that right away too. Sounds a little bit like she is a Taker, doesn’t it?
The problem with that is, I don’t see anything close to her accusation about that office. Does she have a list from taxpayers who can name the employees who have treated them with disrespect? Or is she just spewing vitriol to boost her ego? For those of you who have had interactions with anyone from the assessor’s office, you know they are respectful, courteous, and professional. You decide what is going on there.
Wood has taken credit for appointing a taxpayer-friendly Board of Equalization. It is so friendly that they have lowered the value of the residence of one of their members. This property is now the lowest valued property in the subdivision. This subdivision is right next to the nationally recognized golf course, The National, in Parkville. Does this show favoritism? I don’t know, you decide.
The Board of Equalization members have a civic responsibility to make sure the taxes are fair and the property owner agrees to pay those taxes. It has become very clear that this is not the case with one board member in particular who was appointed by Wood. Why would she appoint someone to the BOE knowing that an individual has faced lawsuits from the Department of Revenue on multiple occasions for failure to pay their own taxes. Why would someone be put into a position to control the fate of so many taxpayers when they can’t even control their own civic responsibility of paying taxes? This seems like a very poor choice. Is this who Platte County wants as a steward of taxpayers’ money?
The BOE has been advised by Wood to lower values for all who appeal. This results in higher taxes for everyone else. How is that taxpayer friendly? But that’s the way the law reads.
What is the real reason Wood is jumping ship as commissioner? Is it because she knows she would not be elected for a third term? In 2020 Dagmar Wood ran against Dan Mason, who threw his hat into the ring because Dagmar had no opponent. The outcome was 52% to 48% Wood with a difference of 207 votes, a very respectable showing for a newcomer.
In my opinion, Dagmar Wood is not fit to serve as the next Platte County Assessor. I feel she is running on a weak platform in order to advance her career and continue to get her county paycheck. Compared to Marcus Farr’s credentials, she lacks the experience and knowledge that is needed to manage the assessor’s office.
Be sure to make the right and responsible choice in the polling booth.
Vote for Marcus Farr for the next Platte County Assessor.
--Whitney Sparks
Excelsior Springs
