Name: Dave Thomas
Occupation: Skagit County Assessor
How long have you been in this industry?
28 years in real property appraisal, 23 years in the Assessor’s Office including the last 6 years as Assessor.
What is your background, work experience, and education?
Mount Vernon High School graduate and state tournament qualifier in wrestling, 1972 (team placed 4th). Skagit Valley College graduate 1994. Worked 3 years in construction management in early 1980’s for my father’s business, Thomas Construction, Inc., 12 years in retail men’s clothing, owning Mainstream Apparel in early 1990’s. Joined the Assessor’s Office in 1997. Former president of North Puget Sound Chapter of International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) 2004-2014. President of Washington State Association of County Assessor’s (WSACA) 2019.
Number of years living/working in the Skagit Valley?
57 years. I arrived in Skagit County as a nine-year old in 1963 and have had the good fortune of getting to work and live here ever since.
What inspires your work or sets your business apart?
I am inspired to serve the people of my community. I apply my customer service background and train our staff to treat everyone in our interactions with respect and dignity. Many of those interactions involve value disputes but it is our duty to listen and try to gain relevant property information before responding. Much of what we do is to educate citizens on the process of valuation and property tax.
What is something most people don’t know about your industry?
While many may not consider the assessor working on their behalf, the truth is the assessor’s function is to protect property owners from unfair taxation through accurate and equitable valuation. We also defend values in the appeal process from unwarranted reductions, audit participants in tax benefit programs to assure compliance and review legislation to oppose unfair tax shifts resulting from property tax exemptions awarded to special interests.
What does community mean to you?
The concept of working together toward the betterment of quality of living. I hold great admiration for those who sacrifice many hours and resources for that purpose. Skagit County is fortunate to have many organizations working to make this a positive and attractive place to live. I am proud to be a part of Skagit Rotary as one of the premier organizations in that endeavor.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
I have over 40 years playing or being involved in recreational softball in Skagit County. My sports are now golf and bowling. Other interests include cooking, camping and classic movies.
Besides Rotary, what other community organizations are you involved in?
I am currently on the Board of Trustees and Treasurer for the Skagit County Historical Society, President of the Skagit Valley Softball Association and co-director, with Don Wick, of the annual Newhalem Mushball Tournament. While cancelled in 2020, we plan to resume in 2021 for the 42nd tournament.