Biographies: John Y. Bell, 1951, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: November 1, 1951 Winn Parish Enterprise ("Know Your Neighbor" Column)

John Y. Bell, Assessor, Man With No Opponent

(Editor's note: It is not the policy of the Enterprise to publicize any
political candidate except through paid political advertising.  However, the
confidence of the people in John Bell, Parish Assessor, evidenced by the
lack of opposition candidates for this post, merits his personal story
about him and his work.)

John Y. Bell, now in his first term as Winn Parish Assessor, is the only
candidate for a major office, excluding police jury candidates, having no
opposition.  This special "vote of confidence: indicates he has served the
public well.

John Bell first began work in the assessor's office in 1937, as a deputy under
Walter W. Allen, then parish assessor.  He served under Mr. Allen until
1944, when James E. Dark was elected, and served as Mr. Dark's deputy until
1948, when he was elected.

In the 1948 election, Assessor Bell won by a landslide 4587-789 majority,
carrying every precinct in the parish, and getting all votes in one box, Beech
Creek precinct.

Bell graduated from Winnfield High School and attended Louisiana State
University in 1932-34.  He has worked in drug stores in Winnfield, was
assistant parish engineer in WPA days, and worked with the Louisiana Highway
Commission about 1935.  He served two years as bookkeeper in the East
Louisiana State Hospital in Jackson, where he gained much practical experience
in the line of work which he now does.

Duties of the assessor, according to Bell, are to list property, real estate,
movable and personal property, for ad valorem taxes, and to determine the
value of this property.  He must compute the taxes due against each piece of
property as directed by each taxing body, including the school board, police
jury, and State of Louisiana.

The parish assesses property values in the Town of Winnfield and other
incorporated towns and villages in the parish.  These municipalities may
make their own tax rolls for collection of taxes due, but they are required to
accept the valuation given by the parish assessor.

The assessor's lists and valuations are submitted each year to the Louisiana
Tax Commission for checking and correction.  After being accepted by the Tax
Commission, the rolls are turned over to the sheriff's office for collection
of taxes.

Parish assessors work under act 170 of 1898, as amended by article 10 of the
constitutional amendments of 1921.  Duties and salaries are set by the
legislature.

The assessor's term will end December 31, 1952, almost a full year after other
elected officers take office.  This is done to keep the assessor from breaking
off in mid-year, causing a new man to take over without knowing what had been
done and what was to be done.  The assessor's work runs from January to
January.

John Bell is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Winnfield Royal Arch Masons, and
Knights Templars.  He and his wife, the former Burdette Dark, are members of
the Baptist Church here.  He is also a member of the Louisiana Assessors
Association and the National Association of Assessing Officers.

Deputies in the assessor's office are at present his wife, Mrs. Bell, and Mrs.
Mildred King Shell.