Florida elections 2024: 6 amendments on the November 5 ballot
Six constitutional amendments, including those addressing recreational marijuana and access to abortion, will be on the ballot in Florida’s November 5, 2024 general election.
Vickie Downs has won the Republican primary and will be Collier County’s next property appraiser.
She received 43.7% of the votes cast, or 17,995 votes, against three opposing candidates.
Downs’ opponent Jim Molenaar was 1 percentage point behind with 42.7% and 17,606 votes, followed by Julian Stokes with 9.4% and 3,874 votes. A fourth candidate, Richard Lussy, was behind with 4.2% and 1,717 votes.
Downs has worked for the property appraiser’s office for over 30 years, where she served as deputy director, and announced her candidacy in late May.
“I’m so excited and so happy,” Downs said. “I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s support and the entire election. I feel like I was the best candidate.”
Her victory is almost certain, but she will have to face candidate Darren Dione Aquino, who is available to her by hand ballot, in the vote on November 5.
Longtime real estate appraiser Abe Skinner, who had held the job since 1991, decided not to run again and had supported the 77-year-old Downs in his bid for the post.
The real estate appraiser’s office determines the value of real estate in the county for tax purposes.
More: Deputy head of the Collier appraisal firm says she has the necessary experience for the top job
She also handles property tax exemptions and the classification of mobile homes and farms for tax purposes. In addition, the agency maintains a publicly searchable database of all property in the county. The job in Collier pays $177,211.
Downs says she plans to improve the office’s technology infrastructure, which would include the use of mobile signage systems and interactive website features.
More: Real Estate Appraiser Candidate Jim Molenaar: Supports Change to Property Tax Exemption
“These improvements will increase efficiency, accuracy and accessibility for our residents and ensure they receive the best possible service,” she said in a question-and-answer session with the Naples Daily News.
More: Race for Collier Real Estate Appraiser: What to Know About Julian Stokes Jr.
Regarding the estimated values, she says they were fair and accurate due to “rigorous processes and compliance with government guidelines.”
She added: “However, there is always room for improvement and I am committed to continually improving our methods.”
Downs believes the current property tax exemption law should remain unchanged, providing adequate relief to homeowners while staying on track for a fair tax base for essential services.
More: Collier candidate: Hostile staff in the real estate appraiser’s office
“However, I am open to discussions about possible adjustments that could benefit our community,” she said during the question-and-answer session with the Naples Daily News.
