For the first time, Tarrant County residents will be able to vote for representatives on the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors during the May 4 election.
Senate Bill 2 went into effect this year, requiring counties with a population over 75,000 to have their boards of directors increased by three members, who will be elected by voters to staggered four-year terms, the bill says.
Three candidates filed for a place on the ballot to elect a person to the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors at-large Place 1 position. They are Eric Morris, Sayeda Bilqees Syed and Trae Fowler.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or less and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Eric Morris
Experience:
Currently on City Council for Haltom City
Occupation:
Pharmacy technician
Candidate Website:
https://www.electericmorris.com
Contact Information:
817-709-9169
Why are you running for office?
TAD needs comprehensive reform. I will fight as an advocate for Tarrant County taxpayers to restore their trust in the appraisal district. While on the City Council in Haltom City, I built a track record of bringing results to our community. I will do the same for TAD.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
Taxpayers' trust in the organization has been shattered. TAD has been hostile to the taxpayers they are meant to serve, tried to hide the truth from the public and are difficult to work with. Tarrant County deserves better.
How do you plan to address these issues?
TAD needs a culture shift. We need to instill an attitude of service throughout the organization. That will result in a focus on delivering results for taxpayers and more accurate and trustworthy appraisals.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My plan to reform TAD has three steps: 1. I will always advocate for taxpayers, not the taxing entities; 2. I will work towards moving TAD to a three-year appraisal system instead of yearly; 3. I will fight for an annual appraisal increase limit of 5% on residential properties
Sayeda Bilqees Syed
Experience:
Tarrant Appraisal Review Board: two years, Colleyville Planning and Zoning Commission/CIP Advisory since 2019-present
Occupation:
Mechanical engineer
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/Sayeda4TAD/
Contact Information:
817-913-0474
Why are you running for office?
While serving on the Appraisal Review Board, I saw issues that need to be addressed, such as over appraisals, inappropriate removal of exemptions, ignoring evidence provided by property owners, losing appraisers, split-zoning which created differences in appraisals of properties in two separate tax entities, and a disconnect with the taxpayer.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
People are frustrated and being taxed out of their homes. I plan to work with the lead assessor to help taxpayers better understand their tax bills and assist them in the appeals process. We also need audibility to ensure fairness in the appraisals and appraisal review processes.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan to work with the lead assessor and my fellow board members to drive change within TAD. I will consult with taxpayers and other experts to make sure that all changes make it easier for taxpayers. My overarching goal is for TAD to provide a better, fairer, more transparent service.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
I plan to work for real and lasting comprehensive appraisal reform that touches every aspect of the service that TAD provides to residential and commercial property owners as well as the hundreds of taxing entities that TAD serves. My top priority is to serve taxpayers and fight for their rights.
Trae Fowler
Experience:
Mayor/councilman-13 years. Developer, home builder, property owner-31 years.
Occupation:
Self employed: business owner 31 years
Candidate Website:
https://www.traefortad.com
Contact Information:
817-925-6122
Why are you running for office?
I'm running to represent all Tarrant County property owners, aiming to address their challenges effectively on the board. As a citizen representative, I'll champion efficient policies and procedures, ensuring their voices are heard and implemented. Together, we'll navigate issues and pioneer better practices for our community's prosperity and well-being.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
Enhancing our hearings process is vital, with improvements like pre-hearing steps, third-party appraisals and enhanced informational access. Building upon the current board's successes, we'll craft user-friendly procedures, prioritizing property owners' needs. Through collaboration and innovation, we'll ensure a fair and accessible appeals process for all stakeholders.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I aim to create an instructional video detailing the entire appraisal process, from field inspection to tax levying by entities. Simplifying information is crucial for empowering property owners with knowledge of their rights. It's the board's responsibility to ensure clarity, enhancing understanding and empowering informed decision-making for all stakeholders.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Transitioning to a biannual from annual appraisals is my top priority as a board member. This change aligns better with real estate market dynamics and property owners' appraisal periods, reducing appeal congestion and fostering more informed hearings, ultimately ensuring fairness and accuracy in property valuation.
