What We've Found
Through our continuing investigation of the Washington State Department of Licensing, Business and Professions Division, Real Estate Section, Appraisal Program, we will now begin to expose the to the light of day, the facts behind the persistent allegations ranging from favoritism, incompetence, and harassment, to covered up complaints and investigations, perjury, and the illegal destruction of public documents. Much of this is already documented in our files, and we are amassing thousands of pages of additional evidence from various sources, including the state itself . We will upload it here, as time allows.
Stay tuned - Our aim is to make this the end of the line for the "Business as Usual" network. Only then can we as Appraisers take a hand in policing our own profession in a fair and equitable manner. We must put an end to the disproportionate enforcement, where one appraiser spends years committing egregious frauds and gets a slap on the hand; yet minor transgressions are severely punished.
Corruption Case #1: (Updated 3-22-06)
As announced at the Washington State Real Estate Appraiser Commission (REAC) meeting on Friday February 17, 2006 in Tacoma, Washington, this is but the first of many cases that we will bring to light. Ultimately you will find that there are many connections between the cases. Corrupt appraisers, corrupt officials, payoffs, extortion, death threats, special treatment, revenge. Washington State DOL has it all. So, without further ado, let's click on and jump into Case #1 involving the former Chairman of the Washington REAC, James D. Tesso, IFAC (hang on to your wallet).
Corruption Case #2:
In this case we have a little bit of everything; an appraiser telling lies to DOL, DOL recognizing the lies and disregarding them, DOL telling lies to the State of Texas so the appraiser could have reciprocity, DOL refusing to act on any of this when confronted with it - and you might be asking why? Because the appraiser covered a lie for Cleotis Borner, Jr. by perjuring himself to an Administrative Law Judge. And who is the appraiser? Meet Thomas O. Cushman, a former investigator for the Nevada state appraisal board. And you'll never guess who he is a Senior Review Appraiser for........
Corruption Case #3:
So, do you want to see what lengths DOL will go to in order to cover up and bury an investigation - even if their own experts tell them an appraisal is bad? Meet Joseph R. Murashie and Investigators Arthur A. Abrahamson and Sandra Spencer, and Program Managers Cleotis Borner, Jr. and William David Santhuff. Find out why DOL even ignores complaints filed by Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C.
Corruption Case #4:
Trick Question: How many distinctly different, separate, salable, residential and agricultural properties, not all contiguous, can be put on a single URAR single family form in Washington State?
Corruption Case #5:
This is only SOME of the information gathered on an appraiser named Wilhelm Karl Ellwanger now known as Robert William Bonneville so far. Think of this as a work in progress, I'll keep actively uploading to this page as I get it from various sources.
Corruption Case #6:
To be announced shortly (we already have the information)
Honest appraisers should sign the national petition at http://www.appraiserspetition.com/
You may submit documents to us by fax at (360)-456-3468 or by email at Info@AppraiserLicensingReform.Com.
Sunshine Week 2009: March 15-21
Public Records Officers
Here's the current list of every public records officer in Washington and their full contact information.
Key Milestones
- Sept. 21, 2003 - ALR has first board meeting - strategies are formed
Nov. 14, 2003 - Informed DOL - REAC about formation of ALR at REAC
- Dec. 31, 2003 -
WA DOL Program Manager Cleotis Borner, Jr. Steps Down
- April 2004 -
WA DOL Program Manager William David Santhuff is hired
- August 2005 -
WA DOL Program Manager William David Santhuff steps down
- January 2006 -
Ralph C. Birkedahl is promoted from Professional Licensing Manager to Program Manager
- Joan Robinson is hired as the new Professional Licensing Manager (formerly from the Architects and Engineers Board)
Our Mission:
AppraisalLicensingReform.Com is a non-profit organization established to provide a forum for professional appraisers to communicate issues of concern regarding structural and administrative problems observed or experienced within the Appraisal Section of the Washington State Department of Licensing, and to provide support for “whistle blowers”.
AppraisalLicensingReform.Com itself has no connection to any existing appraisal organization, but most of the members do have organizational affiliation. These members believe there is need for an independent forum for appraisal licensing oversight.