Ahead of the June primary election, the Bay Area News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates for Contra Costa County assessor. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and clarity.
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Name: Nick Spinner
Current job title: Information Systems Programmer / Analyst IV
Date of birth: January 30, 1987
Political party affiliation: N/A
Other political positions held: Board of Directors for the Crocket Community Services District
City where you reside: Crockett
What are the top three problems you’re seeking to solve if elected assessor?
- Fix inefficient workflows that waste time and slow service (Year 1)
I’ll work with staff to identify the tasks that create the most frustration and delay, then prioritize quick, practical fixes that improve turnaround time and accuracy.
- Digitize records and stop creating unnecessary paper
I’ll implement proven digitization practices already used in other county departments, set an annual digitization target and move toward keeping paper only where required by law.
- Build and execute a long-term plan to transition off the legacy mainframe
I’ll develop a realistic 10-year migration plan and pursue a phased approach based on cost-benefit.
Why are you uniquely qualified to address the three problems you’ve identified above?
I have the rare combination of hands-on experience with the assessor’s actual systems and workflows, a track record of delivering modernization and transparency projects in county government and proven leadership turning around a struggling public agency. First, I’ve spent the last 12 years as a Contra Costa County systems engineer supporting the property tax and assessment ecosystem. Second, I’ve recently led work in transparency, responsible AI adoption and digital accessibility. Third, I’ve demonstrated results-focused leadership under real operational pressure.
What differentiates you from your competitors for this seat?
I combine deep, inside-the-system experience with the urgency, independence and vision to improve performance and rebuild trust — rather than simply maintain the status quo. First, I have 12 years of experience inside Contra Costa County government working directly on the property tax and assessment ecosystem. Second, I’m running to lead, not just administer. The assessor has to follow state and county law — but that’s the baseline. The opportunity in this office is to set clear operational direction: customer service standards, modernization priorities, transparency practices, staff support and performance accountability. Third, I’m offering independent leadership focused on restoring public trust.
What did Gus Kramer do right as assessor?
– Communicated clearly and stood out politically: He was effective at getting attention in a low-visibility office.
– Leaned into Proposition 8 declines during downturns: When market values fell, he emphasized lowering assessed values as required under Prop. 8.
– Defended the office’s independence: He was willing to take criticism from the Board of Supervisors and frame it as the assessor doing the job under state law.
– Strong assessment accuracy performance: Under his tenure, the office earned one of the higher assessment accuracy ratings in the state.
What did Gus Kramer do wrong as assessor?
His tenure was marked by:
– Ethics and disclosure controversies related to his personal real estate dealings and repeated questions about the completeness and timeliness of required filings, which created an appearance of conflict problem.
– Serious workplace misconduct allegations, including harassment/retaliation and hostile work environment claims that led to investigations and litigation and harmed morale and public trust.
– Recurring public disputes and credibility issues, including ongoing conflict with other parts of county government and campaign finance reporting/enforcement problems — distractions that critics argue pulled focus away from the core mission of fair, accurate assessments and responsive public service.
Who are the three biggest contributors to your campaign? Why are they donating to your campaign?
- Domino Sugar / C&H Sugar — $2,500 (maximum)
They are donating because they’ve seen my leadership and follow-through firsthand.
- Shauna Hawes — $200
A family friend and retired elementary school teacher.
- Sarita Cooper — $100
A family friend and retired middle school science teacher.
Please tell us anything about you that would help inform our judgment of your candidacy.
If elected, I will work to restore public trust through transparency, clear service standards, ethical independence and decisions that are made in the public interest. I bring 12 years of experience inside Contra Costa County government working on the property tax and assessment systems residents and local agencies rely on. My leadership style is collaborative and respectful of workers. I also plan to keep a clear separation between me and individual property assessments. Finally, I’m an Eagle Scout, and I’ve carried those values — service, responsibility and doing the right thing even when it’s hard — throughout my career in public service.
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