Calumet Township evaluator Jackie Collins stated that she plans to retain employees in the office, even though a group of employees publicly thrown their support behind their challenger for the post.
Colins defeated former Chief of Staff Sondra Ford for the post on 22 February to replace the late assessor Kozi Vedarspoon. The Vedarspoon, selected in 2022, died unexpectedly on 23 January.
“I do not have a prominent staff,” Colins said when asked about any restructuring.
Colins were seated on Ford by a margin of 26–17, who defended the support letter for their candidature signed by 13 of the 20 staff members of the office.
Ford is no longer with the office, Collins said. After Caucus, Collins said that Ford requested a letter, which he received via email on Monday. The letter was also sent through certified mail.
“Everything has gone smoothly. I welcomed me by the employees, “Colins said. He said that he had hired almost all the workers of the office including Ford when he last worked in the office.
“I know them as they know me. I have never been an anti -annomous person. I have never been a retaliation. I do not catch anything against anyone. I just want to come in and do my work. Life is very small, ”Colins said.
The one of the changes he has made so far in the office is taking the commercial department in front of the office and the residential department backwards. He has also hired a new accountant.
“If I give a 110%, I am just asking them to give them 100%,” Coalins said.
Lake County evaluator Latoni Spearman said he is eager to work with Colins to solve the unique challenges presented at the Calumet Township.
“The city of Gary has seen an increase in real estate values since recession and Kovid -19 epidemic in 2008. In a community like Gary where there is a lot of inequality between the quality, repair and use of housing, these values can be easily ignored, ”said Spearman.
During the last one year, he and Vedarspoon demanded a better understanding of the challenges of the rapidly changing market.
“Our data suggests that it is no longer an discrepancy, but ideal,” said Spearman.
He said that he is ready to re -connect the forces with Collins to ensure that the assessment reflects the current market conditions.
“Our offices will continue working together to provide fair and accurate assessment for the future development of our city,” said Spearman.
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