BERKELEY SPRINGS. W.Va. - Incumbent Morgan County Assessor John Allen Swaim has held the position for eight years and is being challenged by the Republican candidate Ronald B. McIntire, who has served as the county sheriff for the last eight years.
The position is a four-year term; the annual salary is $43,890.
John Allen Swaim
Age: 67
Address: 581 Mountain Run Road, Berkeley Springs.
Background: He has served two terms as Morgan County assessor and has been owner and operator of Swaim's Meat Market for 17 years.
Party: Democrat
What is the best approach to the assessment system given the current economic pressures on property values? Assessments reflect property values according to sales. If the sale of property decreases because of the economy, so will the assessments. I would like to stress the fact that the assessor must follow guidelines from the State Tax Department for the appraisal of property.