LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez Friday informed the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that he intends to take a leave of absence from his position.
“In the interest of restoring public confidence in the professionalism, integrity, and impartiality of the Assessor’s Office, I intend to take a leave of absence from my duties as Assessor,” wrote Noguez in his letter to the Board of Supervisors.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office is investigating allegations that Noguez and several of his staff reduced property values in exchange for campaign contributions to Noguez.
On May 21, former county appraiser Scott Schenter was arrested for allegedly falsifying department documents and unlawfully lowering property values by $172 million.
Schenter allegedly secured campaign contributions from the owners of those homes and businesses for Noguez.
Noguez has denied any wrongdoing. During his leave of absence he will still collect a paycheck. His annual salary was reportedly $192,000 in 2011.
Noguez’s leave will commence upon the Board of Supervisors’ recommendation and the formal appointment of a Chief Deputy Assessor to run the Assessor’s Office during his absence.
Since the chief deputy position is currently vacant, Noguez has asked the Supervisors to recommend an individual for the post without his input. Once designated, Noguez will begin his leave of absence.
“I do this with the solemn hope that my leave of absence will allow the professionals at the Assessor’s Office to continue to serve the taxpayers and citizens of this County,” Noguez wrote.
Read the full text of Noguez’s letter to the Board of Supervisors below:
Dear Honorable Members of the Board
As you know, the District Attorney’s office is investigating allegations of misconduct in the Assessor’s Office. I have consistently offered my cooperation with this investigation as well as the full cooperation of the Assessor’s Office. My interest has been, and continues to be, the health and well-being of the Office, which I am proud to have served for over twenty-seven years.
In the interest of restoring public confidence in the professionalism, integrity, and impartiality of the Assessor’s Office, I intend to take a leave of absence from my duties as Assessor. I do not take this decision lightly. Rather, I do this with the solemn hope that my leave of absence will allow the professionals at the Assessor’s Office to continue to serve the taxpayers and citizens of this County.
During this absence, the Chief Deputy Assessor will be in charge of the Office; however, that position is currently vacant. To remove any possible concerns relating to my selection of a Chief Deputy Assessor to run the Assessor’s Office in my absence, I ask that the Board of Supervisors recommend a highly qualified person to serve as Chief Deputy Assessor. I ask that the Board select that individual without my input. As soon as the Board designates that person, I will appoint him or her as Chief Deputy Assessor, and I will immediately commence my leave of absence.
During my leave of absence, the Chief Deputy Assessor will manage and oversee all of the operations of the Assessor’s Office, including all personnel decisions.
It is my sincere hope that the leave of absence will allow the Assessor’s Office to adhere to its mission during this important time. The leave will also allow me to address certain personal medical and bereavement issues.
Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN R. NOGUEZ
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the matter Wednesday.
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