SARATOGA, Calif. (Diya TV) — In an exclusive interview with Diya TV’s Ravi Kapur on “The Public Interest,” Santa Clara County assessor candidate Rishi Kumar discussed his qualifications to win this role during a December special election that is underway now. A former Congressional candidate, Kumar says his background in technology and operations makes him the right choice for the role at a time when county systems face growing pressure.
The Santa Clara County assessor oversees property assessments and supports the county’s tax system. He says the office needs strong operational leadership to handle modern demands. Kumar points to his experience as a chief financial officer and senior executive. He has led large teams and managed complex operations. He says those skills match the needs of the assessor’s office today.
“The role fits my background,” Kumar said. “I have run major operations and modernized large systems.”
Kumar says he is the only candidate in the race who has led major software modernization projects. During his time at IBM, he worked on large-scale efforts for clients such as Kaiser Permanente in California. He says those projects required careful planning and strong leadership. Teams had to update aging systems while keeping daily operations running. Kumar believes that experience translates directly to county government.
Santa Clara County relies on technology to process property records and tax payments. When systems fail, residents feel the impact right away. Kumar argues that leaders with tech experience can prevent those problems, pointing to recent system outages as a sign of deeper issues. He recalls problems that occurred near the Dec. 10 payment deadline. Residents and businesses tried to process payments, but systems went down for several days. He says those outages created stress and confusion. People worried about missing deadlines and facing penalties. Kumar believes those failures show the need for change.
“When systems crash, the public pays the price,” he said. “That should not happen in a county like this.”
Kumar argues that the assessor’s office needs a leader focused on execution. He contrasts his background with more traditional paths to public office.
“When lawyers run operations, this is what you get,” he said, referring to system failures. “You need someone who knows how to run large, complex systems.”
He describes himself as both an outsider and a seasoned insider. He says that the mix allows him to challenge old habits while understanding how big organizations work.
Kumar says his goal is to modernize county operations by improving reliability, speed, and transparency. He believes technology can help the assessor’s office serve residents better without causing serious disruption. His goal is to make careful upgrades that protect services while improving performance. With Santa Clara County home to Silicon Valley. Kumar says the county government should reflect that spirit of innovation.
“We live in the heart of the tech world,” he said. “Our government systems should match that level.”
Kumar says he entered the race because he saw a clear need. He believes his skills can help the county avoid costly mistakes. He also believes residents deserve systems that work when they need them most.
“This job is about service,” Kumar said. “It is about making sure the county works for everyone.”
Kumar is squaring off in this runoff election that ends December 30, against Los Altos Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor, who also serves as an assistant assessor.
