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LWV League of Women Voters of California
State of California March 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Bill Leonard

Candidate for
Member; California State Board of Equalization; District 2; Republican Party

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

The Board of Equalization (BOE) has a great deal of power when it comes to how taxpayers are treated by state government. I am running for the BOE to keep up the fight on behalf of California taxpayers.

In 1978, when property taxes were skyrocketing and homeowners were facing uncertain tax bills, I decided to do everything I could to help Howard Jarvis pass Proposition 13 # which capped the amount local assessors could increase property taxes each year. Proposition 13 passed overwhelmingly, and I have been fighting for taxpayers ever since.

That is one of the reasons I have been endorsed by the two most respected taxpayer organizations in California # the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the Gann Taxpayer Organization.

Another important job of the Board is to hear appeals from taxpayers that feel they have been unfairly-taxed by state or local government. Our BOE must work to protect taxpayers, and I will fight to make sure government tax collectors are held to the letter of the law.

I am committed to making sure state taxes are allocated fairly. In the State Legislature, I have always supported state laws to guarantee equalized funding of programs to ensure rural counties do not suffer at the expense of large urban centers. That is why I have been endorsed by current Board of Equalization Member Dean Andal.

While Democrats and Republicans all pay taxes, the Board of Equalization is a partisan office, which means that the top vote getters from the Republican and Democrat party will face off in November. I am running for the Republican nomination.

It has been my privilege to serve in a variety of leadership roles in both the State Assembly and the State Senate. I have served as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus as well as Assembly Republican Leader. In each of those positions, it was my responsibility to work with Democrats and the Administration on crafting budgets that were both responsible and fair to taxpayers.

My dedication to the Republican Party and experience as a Republican leader has earned me the endorsement of the two largest grassroots Republican groups in the state # the California Republican Assembly and the California Congress of Republicans.

I am also proud to have been endorsed by Republican leaders like Congressman George Radanovich, House of Representatives Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, Assemblyman Dave Cogdill, and former Assembly Republican Leaders Bob Naylor and Scott Baugh.

On March 5th, I hope to be elected as the Republican nominee to the 2nd BOE district. With 23 years of experience successfully fighting for lower taxes and less government waste, I have a proven record of protecting the rights of California taxpayers.

The voters in the 2nd BOE District have a choice to make. As a proven tax fighter with support from tax groups and Republican leaders, I would be honored to have your support and your vote. We need someone with conservative values and an unyielding commitment to protect taxpayers across the state to represent them on the Board. I hope I can earn your trust and support on March 5th.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: February 25, 2002 09:59
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