CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A county assessor is responsible for fairly and accurately assigning property values. All county and municipal taxes are projected and collected based on these values. Democratic candidate Sallie Robinson has had the benefit of working in the Kanawha Assessor's office for the last 32 years, and thus knows the job and all aspects of the office.

Since 1995, Robinson also has had the benefit of working for current Assessor Phyllis Gatson. During Gatson's time, the Assessor's Office has grown more professional and responsive to taxpayers. At the beginning of her tenure, property owners packed the courthouse during meetings to dispute their appraisals, many with legitimate documentation that affected their property values and tax bills. Now, there is a consistent practice for all taxpayers to share relevant information earlier in the process, and appraisals are set accordingly. In recent years, few if any taxpayers have shown up to complain to county commissioners that their property has been incorrectly valued.

Robinson is in a good position to carry on these improvements, and we endorse her in the Nov. 6 election. Early voting begins Oct. 24.