This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/state/ for current information.
LWV League of Women Voters of California
State of California November 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Bill Leonard

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

[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. 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 one of the reasons why I have been endorsed by current Board of Equalization Member Dean Andal.

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.

On November 5th, I hope to be elected to the State Board of Equalization. With 24 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 a broad base of support, 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 November 5th.

Next Page: Additional Endorsements

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
November 2002 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter


The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 3, 2002 01:27
Smart Voter   <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://ca.lwv.org