Political Desk

By DAVID BATES
Of the News-Register

Yamhill County Assessor David Lawson said he’s likely to forgo seeking re-election in the May primary.

“I’ve pretty much decided that I’m not,” he said, “but nothing’s permanent. Nothing is set in concrete.”

Lawson, who turns 60 this year, said his principal criterion for whether he’d file for a third four-year term is whether the seat is contested without him.

Already, one of Lawson’s appraisers, Scott Maytubby, has filed papers to run this year. And there are rumors a second person will file soon.

“I’d like to see two candidates on the ballot, simply because I think there are some issues that need to be discussed,” he said. “If another candidate comes forward, I definitely will not run.”

Lawson served as an appraiser himself for 11 years before succeeding Assessor Linda Stephenson in 2000. He also headed the Yamhill County Employees Association, where he garnered a reputation as a feisty advocate for workers.

Although he didn’t elaborate on what issues he felt deserved public discussion, a newly released audit of his office is likely to provide grist for candidates seeking the seat.

The primary thrust of the audit, conducted by the state Department of Revenue, is that the office has too few appraisers to get the job done. Still in draft form, it has yet to be finalized for presentation to the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners, however.

Lawson said he disagrees with some of the agency’s conclusions. He maintains his staff keeps up with key tasks, thanks to its efficiency.