Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: Janet Keo Conklin

Current job title: Councilmember, La Palma City Council

Age: 55

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: La Palma City Councilwoman

City where you reside: La Palma

Campaign website or social media: www.janetforassessor.com

What do you think is the most important role of the county assessor, and how should that service to the county be delivered? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The Orange County Assessor manages a $35 million budget and determines property valuations for what 3.2 million residents pay in taxes. It’s one of the most consequential county offices — and one of the least scrutinized. I’m running for Orange County assessor to restore confidence in the operations of the office, which should be a model of efficiency and transparency, not a source of confusion or frustration. I will bring the same commitment to open, ethical government that defined my City Council tenure — ensuring accurate, transparent assessments so families and small businesses aren’t overtaxed. I want to bring public service back to the role of county assessor, so first and foremost, the office serves as a resource to the community.

Which new initiatives or programs do you hope to create to better serve those needing the services of the assessor’s office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I believe every Orange County resident deserves honesty, respect, and access to clear, accurate information. That’s why I’m committed to modernizing the Assessor’s Office with upgraded technology, so the office is more accessible, efficient and user-friendly.

As the assessor, I’ll ensure every homeowner and renter knows their rights through awareness campaigns and education initiatives. I’ll guide residents through Prop 13 and Prop 19 rules, helping homeowners understand their values and options that come along, including exemptions and appeals. I will prioritize data privacy, implementing strict protocols to safeguard personal homeowner data from breach and unauthorized access.

Looking at the county’s yearly budget, what would you like to change about the way the funds for the assessor’s office are allocated? Which project or need, if any, has not received the funding you think it should be getting? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

A top priority is modernizing the office with upgraded technology so it’s more user-friendly and responsive. I’ll bring assessments online, cutting months of waiting to days and saving individual taxpayers thousands of dollars. I will reverse current policies that actively fight new workforce housing, increase taxes on middle-class apartments and threaten to displace renters. In Southern California, natural disasters are not a matter of if, they are a matter of when. When disaster strikes — like recent wildfires — I’ll implement solutions proven in LA County: temporarily halting assessments of damaged properties, expediting reassessments for disaster victims, and ensuring property tax bills reflect a home’s reduced value after destruction.

How do your background and experiences make you the most qualified candidate for this office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I have 25+ years as a real estate professional, both as a realtor and then a broker. I’m also a small business owner and founder and former president of the La Palma Chamber of Commerce, which I formed to support small business growth in our community. I also serve as the federal political coordinator for the National Association of Realtors in California’s 45th Congressional District. I understand property valuation from every angle — as a broker, a business owner, a homeowner, and a public servant.

As the county assessor, how will you meet the diverse needs of Orange County residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

As the assessor, I’ll make sure the office supports and respects every homeowner and renter. I’ll guide families through Prop 13 and Prop 19 rules, helping them preserve their low tax bases and keep their homes. I’ll protect homeowners and small businesses from unfair valuation spikes while expanding opportunities for middle-income families, younger buyers, and first-time homeowners. I’ll also support exemptions for seniors, veterans and other vulnerable citizens. I’m running to be a voice for Orange County families frustrated with rising costs and hoping to make their American Dream a reality.