Assessor, sheriff appointed by Curry commission

Curry County commissioners on Tuesday named Sam Kelley as the new county assessor.

The vote was 3-2 with Commissioners Seth Martin and Brad Bender opposing.

The position became available after the abrupt resignation of former Assessor Randa Jesko two months ago.

Commissioners also unanimously appointed Michael Brockett acting sheriff following the death of Mike Reeves early this month. Brockett had been Reeves’ chief deputy and will be acting sheriff until after November’s election.

Commission Chairman Robert Thornton said it was finally time to make a decision on appointing an assessor who also will hold the office until Jan. 1.

“I think the time has been helpful for me to see all the different things and different interests that we have. I think we had enough time to look and deal with that,” Thornton said.

Thornton lobbied on behalf of Kelley, a current employee in the assessor’s office.

Julie Brooks and Ben McDaniel also applied for the position. Martin and Bender did not state who they preferred over Kelley.

According to Kelley’s request letter to the commission, he has served as the county appraiser for approximately 12 years and is familiar with the procedures and processes of the assessor’s office.

Kelley also has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University and is an International Association of Assessing Officers-certified appraiser by the state.