Trumbull Candidate Profile: Launa Whalen Riley Assessment Appeals

TRUMBULL, CT — The 2019 municipal election is heating up in Trumbull and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Trumbull Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Launa Whalen Riley is running for Board of Assessment Appeals as a Republican. She works at the Town of Easton Assessor's Office.

Are you running for office in Trumbull? Contact Rich Scinto at rich.scinto@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Trumbull Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and
this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our town is increased taxes and this
is what I intend to do about it.

As a lifelong Trumbull resident, I am eager to bring my knowledge and skill
sets acquired through my experiences and training and share them with my
fellow residents by correcting and equalizing assessments that come before
our Board.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates
seeking this post?

The BAA in an integral link in the chain of assessment reform. Members
who are fully informed on assessment procedures without preempting the Assessor's role in establishing assessed values “ can better serve their communities, contributing the kind of assessment review that leads to equitable assessments. 2017 CAAO Board of Assessment Appeals Handbook

- With my professional experience and continued assessment education, I will be able to serve my community at the highest capacity while maintaining fair and equitable.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am a lifelong Trumbull resident. I am a tax payer. I am your neighbor. I, like you understand the importance of having the proficiency of valuation on such Board. The BAA is a review body for all tax payers of real estate, motor vehicles, and personal property and serves independently of assessors. This is why having behind the scene knowledge a valuable asset that I bring
to the taxpayers coming before our Board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle
this job?

I am a University of Bridgeport Alumni and currently hold certificates in Assessment Administration and Assessment Valuation. In June I will receive a certificate is Appraisal Principles. I am an active member of Fairfield County Assessor's Association as well as the New Haven County Assessor's Association.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there- John Wooden

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your
positions?

I am a Certified Election Moderator for the State of CT having served in various capacities for the Elections for the Town of Trumbull since 2012. Family and community has always been an integral attribute as to why I want to raise a family here. It is an honor to be running for a position where I can further serve my community.