zim4pa@yahoo.com

Ruth Zimmerman lives in Orange City with her husband, Carl. She has one stepdaughter and two grandchildren, who live in Orlando.

Zimmerman retired from Volusia County after more than 29 years, for 16 of which she worked in the Property Appraisers Office. She currently works part time at the Blue Spring State Park concession stand.

She is an active member and volunteer.

Choose whether you agree or disagree on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being "Strongly Agree" and 1 being "Strongly Disagree." Add a 1 sentence comment to clarify your stance with the readers.

It is appropriate for a property appraiser to endorse and campaign for issues such as Amendment 1.

1 — Comment: The property appraisers job is an administrative position, with focus should be on running the office and setting correct values.

The Volusia County Property Appraisers Office moved too quickly to increase values during the real-estate boom.

3 — Comment: The law states that qualified sales have to be used to establish values.

Without additional staff or other resources, appraisals cannot be made more fair.

1 — Comment: What is needed is standardized procedures and training for more accurate appraisals.

Accomplishment of which you are most proud: Career Development, Leadership Deland, efforts in the establishment of the computer system in the property appraiser's office.

Public-service goal you have yet to achieve: Becoming involved in an organization such as the Chamber of Commerce.

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