Saturday, April 24, 1999
Campbell Co. official, under probe, resigns
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
NEWPORT — Campbell County Property Valuation Administrator Bill Kaiser, a gregarious public official who coaches youth sports and is active in his church, abruptly resigned from office Friday amid a criminal investigation of his actions in office.
Covington defense attorney Robert Lotz delivered Mr. Kaiser's brief letter of resignation — along with the keys to his courthouse office, a laptop com puter and a cellular phone — to Campbell County Attorney Justin Verst about 2:30 p.m. Friday.
Mr. Verst said only that Mr. Kaiser, 50, a Southgate Democrat, resigned after six years in office because of an investigation by the Newport police department.
No one answered the phone at Mr. Kaiser's North Street home Friday afternoon. Mr. Lotz said his client is “cooperating fully” in the investigation, but refused further comment.
Mr. Verst would not discuss the specific allegations against Mr. Kaiser or whether he is facing criminal charges. He did say his office has been involved in the investigation, which has been going on for about six weeks.
The Kentucky Revenue Cabinet is aware of the investigation and resignation and has appointed Rob Robertson as interim property valuation administrator, or PVA. The PVA is charged with setting property values for taxation purposes.
Mr. Verst said the Kentucky State Police may also join the investigation.
“This is a very difficult situation,” said Mr. Verst, who, like many public officials and workers at the tight-knit Campbell County Courthouse, considers Mr. Kaiser a friend.
“I wish him and his family the best.”
Several courthouse sources said Mr. Kaiser has not been seen in his office since early this week.
“It's shocking,” said Campbell County Clerk Jack Snodgrass, reached late Friday afternoon at his Cold Spring home.
“Hopefully, it will all be re solved. But when we're dealing with taxpayers' money, we always have to make sure everything is aboveboard,” he said.
Mr. Snodgrass said the PVA's office handles very little money, if any. Though the office sets tax values on property — including homes, commercial buildings and automobiles — taxes go to the clerk's office.
The PVA does, however, receive money from the state to operate the office.
“I just heard that Bill Kaiser quit or is going to quit, and I just can't believe it,” said Campbell County Commissioner Dave Otto of Fort Thomas.
Mr. Otto refused further comment, saying he doesn't have all the facts.
Campbell County Judge-executive Steve Pendery referred comment to Mr. Verst.
“I've heard what is going on, but I'm not at liberty to say anything about it because I don't have all the facts,” said Mr. Pendery.
First elected in 1993, Mr. Kaiser won re-election in November, beating Republican Kevin Gordon of Cold Spring.
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