Assessor candidates on tap for Ritzville chamber meeting

Incumbent candidate for county assessor Sherri Brewer (R), and challenger Patrick Clark (R) will introduce themselves and discuss their reasons for seeking election On June 16 at 12 p.m.

The two candidates will be the program speakers during the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting today, Thursday, June 16, at Casuela’s Mexican Grill.

Both candidates will discuss their reasons for seeking election, their qualifications and election platform.

The program is not a debate, but rather intended to serve as an introduction of both candidates.

The general membership meeting is open to the public and all are invited to attend.

On Monday, June 6, Sherri Brewer (R) filed to retain the position of Adams County Assessor.

She was appointed to the position in January by the Adams County Commissioners and has worked in the office as the Administrative Assistant/Appraisal Office Supervisor for 11 years.

Brewer has lived in Adams County for more than 50 years. She graduated from Washtucna High School and has resided in Ritzville since 1978, where she raised three daughters and is a grandmother.

Brewer’s prior work experience as a para-professional in an accounting firm, office manager, and successful business owner, along with her job duties in the assessor’s office, give her the needed skills to not only continue to perform the fiduciary duties as the assessor, but also provides her with the unique ability to reorganize the office in a more efficient manner, while reducing the office budget.

Brewer stated, “During this economic downturn, it is important to have an assessor who is an integral working part of the office. I have the experience to perform these duties and I look forward to continuing to serve the public.”

With friends and supporters gathered for a candidacy launch party on May 21, a day after filing with the Adams County Elections Office, Patrick Clark (R) formally announced his candidacy for Adams County Assessor.

“I am excited about the opportunity to introduce myself to voters throughout Adams County – together we have a unique opportunity to modernize and create efficiencies in an office that is critical to the services enjoyed by each and every resident of Adams County,” Clark said at the announcement.

Clark also emphasized he has extensive experience in team-leadership and personnel management both in large corporation and small office environments. “I value employees, their service to the community and work to promote a spirit of cooperative, team-driven success,” he stated.

Clark is an eastern Washington native and Whitman College graduate that spent 15 years in technology and systems management before returning to the Columbia Basin.

Locally Clark is a member of the Ritzville Volunteer Fire Department. He is currently employed as a technology support engineer by Adams County and resides in Ritzville.