Collier County Property Appraiser

The Collier County Property Appraiser's Office is responsible for assessing the value of all properties within the county for tax purposes. The Office utilizes advanced technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency in property valuation. The office plays a critical role in the community, ensuring fair property assessments that impact local taxation and funding for public services.

For more information about the candidates and the Early Voting process, visit https://www.colliervotes.gov/Election-Info/2024-Primary-Election.

Vickie Downs - Republican

Vickie Downs is the current Chief Deputy of the Collier County Property Appraiser's Office. She has over 30 years of experience in the Property Appraiser's Office, where she has advanced from entry-level roles to her current leadership position. Her expertise has been vital in shaping office policies and practices.

Downs has overseen technical processes and strengthened relationships with various county departments, including constitutional officers and growth management. Committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability, she advocates for using technology and data-driven methods in property appraisals. 

Down’s Statement: 

In my career, I have seen how property appraisal practices affect homeowners and businesses. This drove me to enter politics, aiming for fairness, transparency, equity, and accountability in assessments. Accurate valuations are crucial for fair taxation and economic growth. I advocate for using technology and data-driven methods to improve efficiency and accuracy in appraisals.

Our website stands as a model of accessibility, reaching not only our local community but also extending its utility across the United States. My commitment to an "open door" policy ensures that public input remains a cornerstone of our approach. Together with our dedicated staff, we uphold an unwavering dedication to providing the highest caliber of customer service. We deeply value feedback from the public and other agencies, which consistently affirms the exceptional standard of service we strive to maintain.

Moving forward, my goal is to elevate the technological infrastructure by implementing advancements such as mobile drawing systems for our appraisers and introducing new interactive features to enhance our website. I also plan to further improve our GIS mapping system by incorporating additional features and refining our mapping capabilities for enhanced in-house functionality. I am committed to serving the Collier County community with integrity, passion, and a forward-thinking approach to property appraisal and public service.

R.C. “Rick” Lussy - Republican 

R.C. “Rick” Lussy brings 51 years of experience in property appraisal. A graduate of the University of Montana (1973) with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Finance, and Real Estate, Lussy began his career at the Deer Lodge County Appraisal Office before joining Shorett Riely & Vance in Seattle, a firm known for its rigorous standards. He holds the prestigious Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation, a credential requiring extensive education and experience.

Throughout his career, Lussy has worked across 13 states and 15 Florida counties, including significant roles as a Senior Residential Appraiser and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). 

Lussy advocates for updated appraisal standards and transparency in Collier County, criticizing the current office’s outdated practices and inaccuracies in property assessments. He emphasizes the need for objective, professional appraisal methods and clear public service.

Lussy’s Statement:

I have been appraising all my life, I like it and am good at it. No letters of Property Appraiser marque exist from candidates Darren Dione Aquino (write-in), Vickie Downs and Jim Molenaar not property appraisers. Julian L. Stokes Jr. is a 15-year Appraiser, below my 44 years in Appraisal Institute, 51 years appraising in 13 states and 15 Florida Counties. Education includes portfolio management experience. The question raised is seen as piracy. This piracy can force voter taxpayers to wrongly accept opinions as professional property appraisal practice. Piracy is accepting special interests over accepted independent, objective appraisal practice. My 44-years in Appraisal Institute of 51 years property appraising with portfolio management experience is in 13 states and 15 Florida Counties. I am your best choice on August 20, 2024.

Jim Molenaar - Republican 

According to Molenaar’s LinkedIn CV, he is currently a Florida licensed attorney and previously served as Assistant County Attorney for Monroe County, providing legal analysis and advice to the Board of County Commissioners and other county-related agencies.

Molenaar held key roles at the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, including Sr. Legal Counsel and Internal Audit Manager. He managed internal audits and fraud investigations, demonstrating his expertise in internal controls and project management. 

Molenaar also practiced law at White|Molenaar, Attorneys at Law, and served as an Assistant State Attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where he litigated misdemeanor and felony cases.

Molenaar's qualifications include certifications as a Florida Notary, Florida Certified Records Manager, and Certified Fraud Examiner. He is a member of the Florida Bar and Illinois Bar, bringing a wealth of knowledge and skills to his candidacy.

Molenaar’s Statement:

I am a Florida licensed attorney with real estate and finance law experience and a unique technical knowledge of property assessment administration. I have a Master’s Degree in Information Technology and Privacy Law and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida in addition to being a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Florida Records Manager. My uniquely comprehensive skills include hands-on examining operating systems, database management, storage systems and reviewing public records requests. My passion for building and leading teams within governmental organizations make me the most qualified candidate for County Property Appraiser.

Julian Stokes Jr. – Republican

Julian Stokes Jr. has well over a decade of experience in property valuation and consultation. He currently serves as a real estate appraiser and consultant in a supervisory role at Integra Realty Resources - Southwest Florida. 

He is a licensed Florida State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI), a designation that signifies high standards in real estate valuation. His expertise covers a wide range of property types, including residential developments, multifamily housing, net leased properties, marinas, agricultural land, and urban mixed-use venues.

As a third-generation Florida native from Naples, Julian aims to bring fairness, transparency, and efficiency to the Property Appraiser's office.

Statement from Stokes Jr.:

As a Naples native, I’m deeply committed to our community. With over 15 years as a Florida Certified Appraiser, I hold an Bachelor's in Finance and a Master's in Real Estate & Construction Management. I'm proud to have the endorsement of Councilman Barton and to be involved with the Rotary Club and the Appraisal Institute. I’m passionate about our coastal life and raising my family here. My MAI designation and expertise ensure fair, accurate evaluations. I’m dedicated to transparency, education, and innovation, ready to lead as Collier County's Property Appraiser to enhance the appraisal process and serve our residents with integrity.

Darren Dione Aquino - Write in

Darren Dione Aquino is the founder and CEO of Advocates for Disabled Americans, Veterans, Police, Firemen & Families (ADA VETs). Aquino has significantly advanced programs and policies for the disabled community. He established ADA VETs in 1983, prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and has led groundbreaking changes in disability services. Aquino’s work includes advocating for home-bound services, improving access for veterans, and addressing systemic discrimination in the entertainment industry. He has collaborated with government officials and developed a national network of disabled volunteers to ensure equal treatment and access. Aquino’s expertise extends to consulting on disability issues in TV and film, enhancing representation and inclusivity. His leadership has also influenced policy and legislative changes, contributing to a more equitable society.

Aquino’s Statement:

Aquino aims to leverage his experience to enhance property valuations and assessments. His campaign focuses on improving accuracy and transparency in property assessments to better serve the community. He has 40 years of experience as civil rights advocacy for disabled Americans.