Deputy County Assessor and Veteran Taxpayer Advocate Dara Smith Touts Experience in Announcement of Candidacy for San Bernardino Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk
Due to Smith’s professional experience, her campaign has secured the endorsements of San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and several prominent California Leaders
Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Deputy County Assessor, Dara Smith, a veteran taxpayer advocate and financial executive with over 25 years in government administration, has announced her candidacy for San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk. With a proven track record of commitment to public service, integrity and efficiency, Smith is poised to bring a new level of trust and expertise to the office.
“As a longtime resident of this community, I am eager to leverage my executive experience to serve the residents and businesses of San Bernardino County,” said Smith. “I am not a career politician looking for my next job, in fact, I have pledged to stand up for taxpayers, as a strong advocate of Prop 13, and remain committed to promoting tax relief for seniors, veterans, and small businesses. The Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk is a vital public service agency and I intend to make the office fair and accurate, transparent, responsive and accountable.”
Smith, who holds an advanced Auditor-Appraiser certificate, is the only candidate with such qualifications making her uniquely prepared to lead as the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk on day one.
“I am proud to endorse Dara Smith, the most qualified candidate to be our next San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk,“ stated San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “Her experience alone makes her the best choice for San Bernardino County taxpayers.”
Smith’s campaign has garnered significant early support, receiving endorsements from influential civic leaders, notable property assessment professionals and Prop 13 experts:
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California State Assemblymember Phillip Chen
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Former California State Controller and Treasurer John Chiang
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Former California State Controller Betty Yee
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Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang
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Sacramento County Assessor Christina Wynn
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Alameda County Assessor Phong La
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Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Shelly Scott
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Modoc County Assessor-Recorder Kristen DePaul
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Mariposa County Assessor-Recorder Vince Kehoe
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Monterey County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Xochitl Marina Camacho
In her role as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Smith will continue her work to uphold Prop 13 protections, ensure fair and equitable property assessments, expand public transparency and advance public education and outreach. She also emphasized, “I will ensure the public trust through transparency, accountability and innovative technology. I will expand efforts in public education, career pathways and workforce training through partnerships with local schools.”
Smith’s career is marked by significant achievements, including the highest honor that can be granted to a government assessment agency by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) with its prestigious Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration (CEAA), overseeing award-winning workforce training programs, enhancing community outreach, and advocating for military families, saving them millions of dollars. Her extensive experience in the nation’s largest assessor agency underscores her capability to lead and innovate.
About Dara Smith
Smith and her husband, Jerry, a public safety officer, are deeply rooted in the County and call Rancho Cucamonga home. Their daughter attended Chino Hills public schools and is now a schoolteacher. Smith is a true veteran taxpayer advocate, and honors her family’s enduring dedication to military service, stemming from a proud lineage that includes her husband, a Marine veteran, and family who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam and the U.S. Navy in World War II.
Throughout her career, Smith has been dedicated to the meticulous management of public funds, the development of transparent budgets, and the fair assessment of properties. Holding key leadership positions, Smith has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and an advanced certification by the California State Board of Equalization as a Property Tax Auditor-Appraiser.
Smith, if victorious, would be the first woman and Asian-American to ever win the countywide seat of San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk.