Wilcox, Rotter vying for Blackberry Township assessor

Elburn area residents Bonnie Wilcox and Uwe Rotter, the two candidates for Blackberry Township assessor in the April 7 election, both want to help taxpayers get all the breaks to which they're entitled. But they differ on a key point.

Wilcox told a gathering Sunday in Elburn she wanted to help lower tax bills by lowering assessments, based on a declining market.

Rotter, the Blackberry Township assessor who was appointed in 2007, said that a lower assessment does not guarantee a lower tax bill.

"It depends on the tax levies, on how much the taxing agencies need," Rotter said. "The taxpayers have to decide what level of services they want."

"I understand the hardships of these trying times," Wilcox said at the Lions Club forum. "I want to lower assessments and make sure seniors get their due."

Wilcox was a deputy assessor in Milton Township in DuPage County for 15 years. She did much of her work in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton, and says she would like to bring her expertise to Blackberry Township.

"I would educate all the time," Wilcox said. "(If elected), I will talk to homeowner associations and make home calls to seniors. I would have an open door."

Rotter has begun workshops for tax payers which he conducts on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Blackberry Township office.

"I want the public to be more aware of the assessment process and how it works," Rotter told residents. "I want everyone to be aware of their exemptions."

Rotter said he completed a process of converting paper documents to electronic records that was started by his predecessor. He intends to improve the township Web site and give taxpayers access to the line items of their property assessments.

Both candidates are certified Illinois assessing officers.

Rotter cited his experience and community involvement as part of his qualifications. He has served as assessor since mid-2007 and worked in the assessor's office for seven years. He is a volunteer fireman, teaches fire prevention and is vice president of the Elburn Lions Club.

"I have built up close ties with the key people of the agencies funded through taxes, and with constituents," he said. "I love my job and I want to continue to serve."