Property Appraiser

Dave Scherer

Dave Scherer
PO Box 422872 - Kissimmee, FL 34742
(Cell) 407-873-1048 (Work) 407-518-7800
Dave@DaveScherer.com
DaveScherer.com
Republican
Age: 55
Occupation: President of A+ Appraisals, Inc. & Executive Director Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County
Total Monetary Contributions To Date: $14,334.22
Total Monetary Expenditures To Date: $3,781.55
Download 1st Quarter Financials
Download Financials as of 7.18.08

Previous/Current Elected Office:
None

Previous Campaigns for Elected Office:
Osceola County Property Appraiser

How Long have you lived in Osceola County?
Since 1979; 29 Years

What is your history of community service?
I was a volunteer fireman for Kissimmee Heights Fire Department for 4 years; 16 years on the Osceola County Fire Commission including many years as the vice-chairman; 19 years as a volunteer for the Osceola County Council on Aging; volunteer and Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County, member of the Kissimmee Rotary Club and treasurer for the National Exchange Club of Kissimmee.

Why are in you seeking this office?
Taxes are already too high. The current system of taxation for real estate has become a burden for many homeowners. Combined with higher insurance rates, property taxes are causing people to lose the American dream of home ownership. It is my goal to change the way the state requires the Property Appraiser to appraise your property. The system creates an undue burden on some taxpayers, both residential and commercial while rewarding others for filing fraudulent homestead applications. The homestead exemption should only go to those Floridians who truly make Florida their home.

What makes you the best-qualified candidate?
I am a state certified commercial real estate appraiser and have a degree in Business Administration. With 30 years experience in government and private practice in the appraisal field, I have the qualifications and skills to understand the real estate market and how it affects the taxpayers of Osceola County. As President of A+ Appraisals, Inc. and the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County, I have extensive budget and management experience. I will be an advocate for Osceola taxpayers and use my experience, maturity and knowledge to fight for changes in the state mandated criteria for your assessments. The current system in antiquated and needs reform. With today’s technology, I will show the state how the Property Appraiser’s office can be more responsive to the every changing real estate market and utilize data in a more progressive manner. I feel I can provide the Osceola County residents with someone willing to fight for change.

Current or former elected official you most admire and why?
I most admire President Ronald Reagan because of his ability to bring change while retaining his conservative views. As an advocate for lower taxes, he brought tax cuts to the American people. He was credited with bringing a new optimism to the economy in light of a pending recession. President Reagan’s core tenants include good family values and a reduction in government interference in the private lives of the American citizens. I would like to emulate these values and bring them to Osceola County.

If additional revenue becomes available where would you spend it?
I would like to see any additional revenue returned to the taxpayers. I don’t believe we should spend taxpayer’s money because there may be a surplus.

If revenue falls short, what are the areas you would target for cuts?
One of my first priorities when I take office is to look at spending within the Property Appraiser’s office and identify those areas which are not in the best interest of the public. In the event that personnel are under-utilized, I will cross train or move them to areas which would greater benefit the taxpayers and operation of the Property Appraiser’s office. I don’t believe in removing well trained staff members as a means of reducing the budget. Past experience has shown that this actually increases costs and leads to employee dissatisfaction. I would also look at existing contacts with outside vendors to determine if they are fiscally responsible and areas of potential reductions.

Under what circumstances would you raise taxes?
Taxes are already too high, there is no reason to raise them but there are many reasons to lower them. Homeowners are being taxed out of their homes. I will do everything I can to help all taxpayers get reduced tax bills.