Given your long career in mortgage lending and brokerage, many voters recognize your experience in real estate finance. However, the office of County Assessor carries strict ethical and legal obligations under California law designed to prevent conflicts of interest. California’s Political Reform Act prohibits public officials from participating in governmental decisions in which they have a financial interest (Gov. Code § 87100), and public officials in covered positions must disclose economic interests through Form 700 filings (Gov. Code § 87200 et seq.).

California law also prohibits officials from being financially interested in public contracts made in their official capacity (Gov. Code § 1090). If elected County Assessor, what specific steps would you take to fully separate yourself from your current lending and brokerage business, ensure compliance with these statutes, and reassure taxpayers that assessment decisions would remain impartial, independent, and free from any private business influence?

— Sourdough is my spirit animal

Response

Ben Larson

Thank you for your thoughtful question.  I did give careful consideration to this prior to filing to run for assessor.  I made the decision that I would give the Humboldt County Assessor position my full-time attention and no longer operate my mortgage business.  The Job would begin on 1/1/2027, which would provide me plenty of time to wind down my work at Larson Home Loans and prepare to be ready to jump into the Assessor role full time.  

 

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