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Another minus week for Pierce County
by Volcano Staff
Jun 12, 2008
The Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s office announced recently that many property owners in Pierce County will receive decreased property valuations for 2007. Pierce County followed national trends of decline, but not to the same degree as super-heated markets in places like South Florida and California. DuPont and Steilacoom showed big drops, falling an average 6.3 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively. Average property values in Tacoma fell 2 percent. Lakewood shed 2.3 percent and Puyallup property values dropped 1.8 percent. Don’t count on a break on your property tax bills, though. Property values, strangely, are only a small part of determining your annual property tax bill. MINUS 3
Tacoma superhero Robert “The Traveler” Hill has announced he will run for Pierce County Sheriff. Hill is funny, and reminds us of San Francisco’s Joshua Abraham Norton, “Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.” During his life in San Francisco, this seemingly insane, though much loved immigrant had his own currency printed and widely accepted at local establishments. Though penniless, he often ate at the finest restaurants. He frequently issued proclamations, including orders to dissolve the United State Congress and to do away with the Democratic and Republican parties. He once tried to make utterance of the word “Frisco” a misdemeanor. When he died, 30,000 people flooded the streets to pay homage. Whether he wins or not, The Traveler deserves some daps, and Tacoma should be proud to have such a regal persona in our midst. PLUS 1
Tacoma City Councilman Rick Talbert broke his femur in three places while riding bikes with his son over the weekend — resulting in a three-day hospital stay for the councilman. Coupled with the fact that several other members of the council were out of town Tuesday, Talbert’s injury made for no quorum, and thus no Tuesday City Council meeting. While we don’t mind losing out on a city council meeting, Talbert’s bicycle bust-up sounds painful. Hopefully he got good drugs. Our best wishes go out to Mr. Talbert and his femur. MINUS 2
Craig Ueland resigned as CEO of Russell Investment this week. It is said that Ueland, along with having a douchy last name, was one of the main proponents of moving Russell out of Tacoma. While we’re not as concerned as some about whether Russell will decide to move to greener pastures, the Weekly Volcano would still like to wish Mr. Ueland a less than fond farewell — and warn the former CEO not to let the gritty door of Tacoma dirty his suit on his way out of town. PLUS 1
January aside, one can’t cruise Pacific Avenue without being interrupted. The summer has made feeble attempts to battle its way into view, perhaps good fortune will greet us on the bows of the tall ships when they arrive in July. For now we grit our teeth and walk slick sidewalks shivering as violently as the jackhammers that shout to each other from every corner downtown. Change is hard. MINUS 2
Total Pluses: 2
Total Minuses: 7
This Week’s Total: MINUS 5
Last Week’s Total: MINUS 4
