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March 24h, 2009

Skagit County Assessor Mark Leander Announces Resignation Effective June 30, 2009

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County Assessor Mark Leander announced his plan to resign from office on June 30, 2009. Leander submitted a letter to the Board of Skagit County Commissioners this morning.

"Since being diagnosed and undergoing treatment for cancer, it was my hope that my recovery would enable me to continue in this position at not only the level I expect of myself, but at the level the citizens of Skagit County deserve," said Leander. "It's become apparent that is not likely, so I will be relinquishing my position."

"No one has worked harder and maintained the integrity and fairness of property tax assessment more than Mark Leander during his very successful career in the Assessor's office," said Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt.

Leander stated in his letter to the Commissioners that during his tenure the Assessor's Office has set statewide benchmarks for production and accuracy. "Those accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedicated and skilled staff that has carried on our vision, even during my health issues," said Leander.

Last year Leander served as President of Washington Association of County Officials (WACO).

When an elected official resigns the political party of which the resigning official belongs nominates three persons to fill the vacancy, and pass the names of the individuals to the Board of County Commissioners. The Board shall appoint from the three persons nominated the individual who will fill the vacancy. The appointment must occur within 60 days or the authority to fill the vacancy passes to the Governor of the State of Washington. Leander is a Republican.

The person so nominated shall fill the position until the election of a successor in the 2010 general election.

For further information, contact:
Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461