Two in running to be next Santa Clara County assessor, could deeply impact valley’s future

THE OUTCOME of the $13 million special election for a new Santa Clara County assessor will shape housing development and school funding in Silicon Valley.

Nominations will be open from July 14 through Aug. 8 for candidates seeking to do one elected job: Determining property taxes. Candidates who wish to avoid paying a filing fee can gather petitions for their candidacy until July 9. Two names — Former Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao and Los Altos Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor — have so far emerged in the looming race to replace outgoing Assessor Larry Stone, who is the county’s longest serving elected official and finished his last day on the job July 3. He was making more than $330,000 in total pay and benefits as of 2023, according to the government tracking website Transparent California.