Port Orchard resident Sean Smith announced April 4 in a statement he would seek the Kitsap County assessor position.

County Assessor Jim Avery announced his retirement earlier this year.

Smith, who was born in Southern California, graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in business management.

Smith stated he is a 25-year veteran of the real estate and mortgage industry. During his career he has been in various production and senior management capacities with some of the nation’s largest companies, banks and mortgage lenders.

Smith is president and chief executive officer of American First Lending Corp, a nationwide mortgage banking company headquartered in Port Orchard, with branch offices in California and Florida.

“I’m committed to equality and fairness when determining the assessed value of property,” said Smith. “I believe the process should be as transparent as absolutely possible.”

He said the appeals process should be expeditious, respectful, thorough and “most of all fair.”

“There is no room in the assessor’s office for a partisan stance,” Smith said. “Cooperation between all persons and parties is essential.”

Recently, Smith was a guest speaker at the annual Western Washington Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officer’s Convention.

He moved to the Northwest almost 10 years ago with his wife and youngest daughter.

After moving to Port Orchard, Smith became active in the Port Orchard Rotary Club and held numerous positions since 2005. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 2007 by his group.

For more information, on Smith go online to www.seansmith.org or contact the him at 360-621-5800.