Cora Moser for Skamania County Assessor

I am running because homeowners in our community deserve fairness, transparency, and real relief. Like many of you, I am feeling the strain of rising property taxes, and I believe it’s time we actively pursue  homestead exemptions so families can afford to stay in the homes they’ve built their lives around.

I grew up going to our County Fair — a tradition that reflects who we are and what we value. The fairgrounds are more than land; they are part of our identity. I am committed to ensuring that our fair parking and fair‑related assets are not sold off or jeopardized. Protecting these spaces means protecting our history, our community events, and the future generations who deserve to experience them.

Our small businesses are the backbone of this county. I want to see them grow, thrive, and remain central to our local economy. Supporting them means supporting local jobs, local families, and the character of our towns.

I am deeply concerned about the current assessor’s side project, which risks costing taxpayers millions and threatens the long‑term viability of our fairgrounds and future events. Our county cannot afford decisions that put cherished community institutions at risk.

I’m running to bring accountability, common sense, and community‑first leadership back to the assessor’s office. Together, we can protect our homes, our traditions, and our local economy.

If elected, my priority will be to actively participate in the Washington State Association of County Assessors’ Property Tax Exemption Committee. This committee plays a key role in shaping exemption policies, and I want to help move forward meaningful relief for homeowners who are struggling with rising costs.

 I believe our assessments should be reviewed carefully, and transparency must be a top priority so residents understand how their taxes are calculated and where their money is going. Respectful customer service is a priority.

My goal is to advocate for fair assessments, stronger homestead protections, and clearer communication with taxpayers. Homeowners deserve a system that is consistent, understandable, and focused on keeping people in their homes.

I am concerned about the fairgrounds because they are truly the heart of our county. The fairgrounds bring our community together, support local traditions, and provide year‑round activities that enrich the lives of residents of all ages. Losing any part of this space would have long‑lasting consequences for our community.

One of my biggest concerns is the current Assessor’s proposal to sell the fair parking lot to a private industrial investor. The stated justification is job creation, yet the feasibility study the assessor received shows that our county’s greatest need is housing, not additional industrial development. On top of that, both the county and the Port of Skamania already have vacant industrial and commercial properties available. With so much unused space, it’s unclear why selling off a critical piece of the county’s land has become a priority for the current Assessor.

Parking is not a minor detail — it is essential. No event can succeed without adequate parking, and the fair parking lot supports far more than just the fair itself. It is used by local fundraiser groups, the Dog Mountain shuttle, future Grange Hall activities, 4H, Timber Carnival, the Sheriff’s Office, County Roads, Mechanics, and County Buildings and Grounds. It also contains the only recreational vehicle dump station in the entire county. The number of people and programs that rely on this land is extensive.

Selling this property would also come with enormous financial consequences. Relocating the county departments that currently use this space would cost millions. Additionally, upgrading city infrastructure to support an industrial facility would place new burdens on city residents who are already facing rising costs.

The fairgrounds are not just land — they are a community asset that serves countless purposes. Protecting them means protecting our traditions, our events, and the many services that depend on this space.

I’m concerned about our local businesses because many of them are already struggling under increasing state‑level taxes and rising operating costs. The majority of our businesses depend heavily on tourism to stay afloat, and any loss of visitor traffic would have real consequences for jobs, families, and our local economy.

That’s why protecting the fairgrounds and its parking areas is so important. If the event parking lot were to be sold, we would see a gradual decline in tourism. Fewer visitors means fewer customers for our shops, restaurants, and service providers. Over time, that would limit growth and make it even harder for small businesses to survive.

Instead of shrinking opportunities, we should be expanding them. We need to create more events, attract more visitors, and make better use of county‑owned land in ways that support—not undermine—local businesses. When our small businesses thrive, our entire community benefits.

Yes.
The County Assessor is an elected position chosen directly by the voters of Skamania County. State law does not require the elected assessor to be a certified appraiser in order to run for office. 

If certification were required before running, it would drastically limit who could serve and reduce the number of qualified community members able to step forward. The State’s position is that voters should have the freedom to elect someone they trust from within their own community.

When talking to the people in the community, I am finding that people do not realize our county already employs certified appraisers who perform the technical appraisal work required by law as well as someone to run the Geographic Information System (GIS). The assessor’s role is to provide leadership, ensure fairness and transparency, oversee the office, and make decisions that reflect the needs of residents.

If elected, I will begin the process of obtaining the appraisers certification to support our  county’s appraisers. I have full confidence that with my 20 year paralegal background, over eight years working for Skamania County and a long standing commitment to the betterment of our community, I will manage the office effectively and complete the certification with ease.

My commitment is to lead responsibly, support the staff, and ensure that homeowners receive fair and transparent assessments.