Most Powerful Jobs in America's Biggest County Are Up for Grabs

Few people may know the name of LA's County Assessor, but few elected officials have as direct an impact on more people. The current incumbent, John Noguez, is facing charges for allegedly lowering tax bills in exchange for bribes. Whether he is guilty or not, the case demonstrates where the Assessor's power lies. Noguez is trying to prove himself innocent of corruption charges and is not running again. No less than 12 people have filed to run for his job — and you've probably never heard of them, either. Is such a powerful job as County Assessor with so low a profile appropriate for public election?