Democrat Jeff Casalina Enters Race for Los Alamos County Assessor

Jeff Casalina, a retired real estate professional with decades of experience in leasing, appraisal and facilities management, announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Los Alamos County Assessor, entering a race that will advance to a June primary before a general election later this year.

Casalina said his decision crystallized after a conversation with current Assessor George Chandler. "I'd heard about the County Assessor's position and thought I could probably do that. When I spoke with current Assessor George Chandler, and he indicated that he was only going to serve one term, I thought, 'I'm retired and qualified and I would like to contribute to the community'," Casalina said.

If elected, Casalina said he would bring something the office has not had before. "If I'm elected, I believe I will be the first actual appraiser to have that job. Assessors have their own licensing system. George (Chandler) earned that license, and I will too."

His path into real estate traces back to family. Casalina's uncle worked as an appraiser and right-of-way agent in California, partnering with communities in the 1960s to develop mass transit and freeway infrastructure. When Casalina graduated from the University of Hawaii with a degree in geography, his uncle was looking for someone to take over the business ahead of his own retirement. That apprenticeship launched Casalina into a career spanning multiple corners of the real estate industry.

He ultimately stepped away from residential appraisal work, citing pressure from mortgage companies that conflicted with his professional standards. "I wasn't prepared to sacrifice my integrity and state license for some mortgage company," Casalina said, describing himself as "a stickler for honesty."

Casalina said he enjoys living in Los Alamos and appreciates that the community draws so many smart and responsible people, a quality he said he hopes to serve well if voters send him to the assessor's office.