BERNE — After 10 years as an appraiser, Republican Walter Scram wants to add assessments to his work of evaluating properties.

“If somebody has an issue, I’d like to hear their issue,” Scram said. “I wouldn’t like to shoo them out the door. I’ve actually had that experience…probably an explanation would have made the process easier.”

Scram, 40, is running with Republican endorsement. He does not have certification to be an assessor, but would take the required courses to become certified if elected. He is a New York State Certified Appraiser.

“I like homes, so it’s enjoyable to see a bunch of different homes,” said Scram. “It’s a flexible schedule, I can work around my kids’ events.” Scram said he makes his own schedule and could be available any time of the day as an assessor.

He expects the job to be the same for anyone in the post, but sees his availability as a benefit. He said he would like to be in the assessor post for multiple terms.

Scram started attending school Berne-Knox-Westerlo in the sixth grade, graduating from the high school in 1992. He owned a landscape business before working as a service technician for a power company.

On the need for a townwide revaluation, Scram said, “I don’t know because I’m not sure when it was done or even how it was done.”

Scram said that, as an appraiser, he is already aware of ethical conflicts.

“I think any family member or somebody you knew personally would have to be handed off to somebody else,” said Scram.