Cornejo to get in Assessor's race

Jose Cornejo, the chief deputy to Councilman Tony Cardenas, announced Thursday he will get into the race for county Assessor, for the seat being vacated by Rick Auerbach.
Cornejo, 42, of Panorama City, said he believes the job has taken on increased importance in recent years because of the problems with property values in recent years.
"I think this might be a time when people are looking for an outsider rather than seeing this as a stepping stone from within the assessor's office," Cornejo said.
Thirteen candidates are seeking the post, including Deputy Assessor John Noguez, who has gained the most inside support. Noguez has been endorsed by several supervisors and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.