The Advocate for Accuracy: John Haney’s Vision for a Fair and Transparent Pulaski County
By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate
Nancy, Kentucky (SPA)--- As Pulaski County continues to experience significant growth, the role of the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) has become a focal point for residents navigating a volatile economy. In the upcoming May 2026 Primary, John Richard Haney is stepping forward with a campaign rooted in technical expertise, a deep-seated love for his community, and a promise to be a tireless advocate for the taxpayer.
Legacy of Local Service
For Haney, Pulaski County isn't just a jurisdiction; it’s home. As a fifth-generation Pulaski Countian, his ties to the region run deep, from his involvement in the family business, Haney’s Appledale Farm, to his active roles in the Rotary Club and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.
"I believe our citizens deserve a leader with a heart for public service," Haney says. "I share the concerns of our local residents regarding increased assessments because, as a property and farm owner myself, I feel them deeply and personally."
Decades of Proven Expertise
What distinguishes Haney in this race is a professional foundation built over 24 years in real estate property valuation. A Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser, Haney has spent his career working with thousands of property owners to ensure accurate and fair values for everything from home purchases to estate settlements.
His qualifications are not just professional but also academic and regulatory; Haney has successfully passed the state-mandated PVA qualification exam, ensuring he is prepared to lead from day one. If elected, Haney has pledged to close his private appraisal firm to dedicate 100 percent of his focus to the citizens of Pulaski County.
The Haney Platform: Leadership, Experience, and Transparency
Haney’s vision for the PVA office is centered on three core pillars designed to move Pulaski County forward:
- Transparency and Accessibility
Haney believes that "accessible data is valueless without due diligence and accuracy". He plans to:
- Modernize the Digital Footprint: Pursue grants to enhance the county’s property website, making assessment data, deadlines, and appeal procedures easier to access.
- Restore Public Tools: Ensure that assessment values return to the county's free online tool, allowing property owners the autonomy to audit the basis of their valuations.
- Open-Door Policy: Maintain a "customer-first" culture where his office door and phone are always open to discuss constituent concerns.
- Fairness and Advocacy
Recognizing the burden of rising assessments over the last five years, Haney is committed to maintaining the lowest and fairest assessments possible under Kentucky law. He plans to proactively educate residents on eligibility for homestead and disability exemptions, ensuring that seniors and those with disabilities receive every protection they are entitled to.
- Collaborative Leadership
Haney views the PVA office as a team effort. His "100-day plan" focuses on strengthening the internal culture by empowering the existing, knowledgeable staff. Haney intends to be an advocate for property owners, believing PVAs should have a seat at the state-level table in discussions on property tax reform. He believes tax reform should protect property owners without sacrificing essential services, such as first responders and public schools. Haney will leverage his experience and knowledge in property valuations in advocacy to defend lower assessments in Pulaski County. His technical expertise will provide a valuable toolkit for justifying an assessment that a state official may regard as lower than their assumed cash value. Drawing on his experience and technical expertise in property valuation, he intends to ensure Pulaski County’s assessments are fair and defensible. He says that expertise allows him to clearly support and explain the county’s valuations if they are ever questioned by state officials.
A Vision for the Future
John Haney’s candidacy is defined by the principle of servant leadership. By combining his technical "science" of valuation with a commitment to integrity, he aims to build a PVA office that operates with consistency, credibility, and respect.
"Integrity in public office means doing what is right even when no one is watching," Haney concludes. "My goal is to ensure this office not only performs its duties well but also strengthens confidence in public service across our entire community."
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