LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deputy Assessor Omar Haroon today formally announced his candidacy for Los Angeles County Assessor and vowed to restore the public's trust in the scandal-plagued office.
Mr. Haroon also announced that his campaign has raised $100,000 in donations. The election will be on June 3rd.
"The decision to run required a major commitment not only by me but from my family," Mr. Haroon said. "I am dedicated to bringing integrity, transparency and accountability back to the Assessor's office."
Current County Assessor John Noguez is on leave pending trial on felony political corruption charges that he allegedly gave tax breaks to some property owners in return for cash payments.
"The Office of the Assessor is answerable to the people of Los Angeles, whom we serve," Mr. Haroon told a recent fund-raising event. "I will use my managerial and technical expertise and community outreach programs to ensure that every citizen of Los Angeles receives all the tax breaks they are legally entitled to."
He added, "Momentum continues to build for my candidacy. People are excited to see a viable candidate who isn't a career politician."
Asked why he is willing to endure the rigors of a campaign, Mr. Haroon replied, "Los Angeles is where I was born, where I was raised, and where my wife Mariah and I are raising our three children. I am committed to seeing Los Angeles flourish, and I believe I can have a positive impact in the community as your Assessor."
Mr. Haroon has served as deputy county assessor since 2011. He has extensive background in real estate and financial management, including as a construction manager for a commercial real estate company and as a financial advisor for a major investment bank. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from UCLA.
For more information on Omar Haroon, visit: www.OmarHaroon.com