Letter: Congrats to new assessor's officers

As a retired public servant from the County Assessor’s Office, I want to congratulate Ms. Gina Ortega as she begins her
term as Assessor. I also want to commend her choice of Mr. Ruben Reyes for the position of Chief Deputy Assessor. Mr.
Reyes is uniquely qualified to serve in this role with his many years of public service and his extensive and detailed
knowledge of the role of this key public office.

The assessor’s office has needed fresh, energized, and inspired direction for many years. This office has languished under
ineffective or absent leadership and too many employees who take their roles as public servants for granted. Under new
leadership of Assessor Ortega and Chief Deputy Reyes, this office is now on a course to serve the public of Doña Ana
County with the kind of excellent service that they deserve and have lacked for so long.

The Assessor’s Office has suffered from needless outside interference, internal rivalries, and a lack of teamwork and
purpose. The Office now can work to earn back and restore the trust of the Public as it serves its critical function of
accurately assessing Doña Ana County properties for taxation purposes. Both Ms. Ortega and Mr. Reyes have a wealth of
experience in working with the public and being responsive to their needs.

These new Assessor’s Office leaders will face steep challenges along the way. Ms. Ortega and Mr. Reyes will need ongoing
support from the people of Dona Ana County as they work to restore good order and direction. But they welcome this
challenge and all the support they have already received from many County employees and others.

Best of luck to you new Leaders and to the People of Dona Ana County.

Don Cillo,  Temple, Texas