LA County Assessor Steps Aside Amid Investigation-LCCN Obtains Memo to Employees

By Brian Hews
 

Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez submitted a “leave of absence” Friday afternoon, Los Cerritos Community newspaper can confirm.

In a memo obtained by LCCN, Noguez informed his staff at 3:41 p.m. with the following statement:

“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

Los Cerritos Community Newspaper will have additional details as the break.