Assessor, Treasurer Tax Voter Patience

* The logic behind Assessor Bradley Jacobs’ refusal to accept state aid to clear up the backlog of assessment appeals is beyond anyone’s imagination (“Board Acts on Tax Appeal Logjam,” Aug. 20).

If the only reason for Jacobs’ refusal to seek help is his inability to meet the state’s efficiency goals, perhaps it is time for the voters to throw this rascal out come the next election.

The efficiency oxymoron likewise applies to Treasurer John Moorlach’s office. After I got a property tax refund for overpayment on the first half of my property tax, I was told by Moorlach’s office that I must pay the second half in April at the higher amount and then wait for a refund on the overpayment.

Aside from creating several extra steps in accounting, this approach is also depriving me of money that I can use for other purposes.

Since the treasurer’s office has not bothered to answer my letter sent about a month ago about the overdue refund, I wonder if they are simply investing this money to set up a trust fund for my grandchildren’s college education.

JOHN T. CHIU

Newport Beach