Artsy assessor

link D'Nieka Hartsfield: Staff photo

Curry County Assessor Candace Morrison looks over some work in her office.

Candace Morrison was born in Portales. She was raised in Clovis from the time she was 7 years old. Morrison graduated with the class of 1999 at Melrose High School.

She studied computer information systems at Clovis Community College and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration degree at Eastern New Mexico University.

Morrison went on to get a job as an appraiser for several years for Curry County before being appointed and later elected assessor.

Morrison loves the arts and she travels every weekend with her best friend to craft shows to show and sell her art work, which features wall arts and other pieces. She is a mother of two and is engaged to a manager at an industrial pipeline construction company in Houston. She describes herself as being a homebody, rushing home each day to help her kids with homework or to catch the latest on Netflix.

What is your theme song?

I love mid-90’s alternative. I love the Dave Matthews Band. But I think I might go with “Don't Stop Believing” by Journey.

What do you think about Eastern New Mexico?

I love the area. I was born and raised here.

If money were no object, what would you do to make the world a better place?

I always have to have an artistic outlet. Arts have been cut out of so many schools, especially at the grade school level. I would definitely push music and arts in the schools.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I really enjoy serving the public. It really gives me a great sense of self satisfaction. You have someone who comes in upset, wanting to know why they’ve been taxed a certain way, for example. It helps just being able to explain and have them leave satisfied. I love the people I work with. We’re a really great team.

What do you not like about your job?

Although I’m a elected official, I don’t like the politics. I’m not a politically driven person. I try not to get involved as much as possible. I hope I don’t get in trouble for saying that. I just love my job. I love what I do.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents. My stepdad passed away about two months ago, which is still very sad and now my mom is going back to work to keep busy. She was a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher for a very long time. She is everyone’s favorite teacher. My dad was a college teacher, runs a farm and ranch and is involved in wind energy. He has really high aspirations. They’re just good people.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I live my life for years at a time doing what I do. I’d still like to be active in the assessor’s office. Whatever roll that is, I don’t know. I love what I do and I feel like. I’m really good at it. I’d hate for all the experience and knowledge to go out the window so I’ll still be here. I’ll have bigger kids.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

There are too many. I fall down all the time.

What is your greatest fear?

Tornadoes. Absolutely, completely, unequivocally I freak out when those sirens go off.

What is your favorite taste?

Gummy bears.

What is your favorite smell?

Vanilla.

— Compiled by staff writer D’Nieka Hartsfield