People, not Politics!
My years of experience leading the County Assessors Office have been in the service of tax payers. I have a successful track record of mentoring and managing the staff of 150, and efficiently and fairly performing over $250 billion in appraisals every year. The role of County Assessor is demanding, and requires deep understanding of our County. There are the next generation of candidates from within the organization that have what it takes to fill my shoes when I complete my service in four years.
In fact, the stellar work of the people I lead in the department has been recognized by the State Board of Equalization that said the Contra Costa County assessors office are A1 rated. One of the highest ratings ever given to the assessors office in the last 20 years.
As an elected official (not really a politician), I fight for regular folks like you and me. After I was voted into office as County Assessor, I pushed for equitable property rates and protected families and regular citizens from unfair burdens. My years of working for local governments have shown me different perspectives on the powers and pressures in play, and my experience allows me the means to keep doing a great job for all. My years in funerary services helped tap my sensitive side, my empathy, for understanding what others are going through. It keeps me in touch.
Gus Kramer works for YOU
As County Assessor, I manage my office to be the the example of how local government works efficiently. I have made improvements to streamline our office operations, supported equity, eliminated case backlogs, and improved levels of service, all while operating substantially under budget. Other departments should take note.
During the recent great recession, I helped save thousands of peoples’ homes from foreclosure in lowering the property taxes on their homes in accordance to the law. At the same time I was battling with oil refineries and the largest newspaper in our county over multi-million dollar tax appeals. Those same corporations are supporting my opponent in order to have that tax burden shifted to YOU, private citizens.
Trustworthy People Endorse Gus Kramer
Debbie McKillop
Martinez City Councilperson, and Manager of the
CC County Forensic Crime Lab
As a County employee (CCC Sheriff’s Office, Crime Laboratory Manager) and as an elected politician (Martinez City Council Member), I have seen the ins and outs of how the County works. Gus leads the Assessor’s Office in a fair and efficient manner, and while keeping head above petty politics that permeate 651 Pine Street (County Supervisor Offices). I take great pride in continuing to support Gus Kramer for the Contra Costa County Assessor‘s office.
Sheriff David Livingston
Contra Costa County Sheriff
Rusty Watts
County Treasurer-Tax Collector
for Contra Costa County
Lisa Driscoll
Chief Fiscal Officer
for Contra Costa County
Robert Campbell
County Auditor-Controller
for Contra Costa County
Christina Wynn
Sacramento County Assessor
Mary Lou Till
Real Estate Broker
During the recent recession, much to the objection of elected officials and bureaucrats, Gus lowered people’s property taxes to save their homes. It was the right thing to do, and it is the LAW.
Cathryn and Don Freitas
Former Antioch City Council members,
and Retired Mayor of Antioch
Christine Dean
Retired Captain with the Contra Costa County
Sheriff’s Department, Danville Police Chief (ret.)
Despite relentless political attacks, Gus Kramer has proven his innocence, and kept working hard for the people of Contra Costa. His high profile job, and responsibility for fairly assessing taxes, make him a target of corporations and their pet politicians. Gus has been elected and re-elected by the People, not corporate lobbyists. I am a retired Sheriff’s Department Captain, and I know a thing or two about law and order. The facts, the proof, and my experience allow me to proudly say that Gus Kramer is an upstanding citizen of Contra Costa, and is a thoughtful and accomplished leader of the Assessor’s Office. He deserves your vote for Assessor.
Arne Simonsen
Former Antioch Council and City Clerk
Paul Dictos, CPA
Assessor-Recorder for Fresno County
Mike Menesini
Retired Mayor of Martinez
Kathy Nielsen
Retired International Purchasing Manager
I believe in Gus Kramer. This man has worked tirelessly to help the people of Contra Costa County. During the recession, he lowered our property tax to reflect the true value of our homes, allowing a lot of people to save their home. Gus has worked in public service for almost 30 years and has been a great asset for the residents of CCC. Please vote for Gus. I know he is a good man and a great public servant.
Gus Kramer, Proud Public Servant for Contra Costa County
Despite the political slings and arrows cast at me, I keep my head down and work hard for the People of Contra Costa County. The voters have elected me Assessor again and again because I serve them well. Greedy political opponents and corporate opportunists want to take me down to put their own interests ahead those of the People.
Even though I have been exonerated by independent investigations, and the East Bay Times publicly retracting their repeated lies, my opponents persist.
As an “insider” of local government, I see how the sausage is made. The power plays, the money grabs, the wheeling and dealing. Most citizens never get to see this, and don’t understand how it effects them. When it comes to real property, a family home and nest egg, lives depend on it. I make a point of getting out into the Contra Costa communities and speaking about the state of the real estate market, the tax base, and the big picture of property values in our region. I speak at real estate professional luncheons, Rotary meetings, and many other social, professional, and service organizations to share my perspective and give others a look behind the curtain.
Feel free to invite me to your group’s next meeting to discuss the state of real property in our county. Or say HI on the street next time you see me. I want to hear from you.
