Background / Position

By Larry Bales

Started taxpayers revolution, which ended with passage of Prop 13, will protect against any attempts to circumvent or destroy Prop 13.

I am Larry Bales candidate for the Orange county Assessors office. I am the only candidate, elected or otherwise who has made major contributions to the passage of Proposition 13. I played a major investigatory role in the reasons for the passage of Proposition 13. I had appeared before the Orange County Grand Jury giving information regarding the past illegal assessment practices of the Assessors office. My testimony resulted in the indictments of the Orange County Assessor, Staff members in his office, and members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Eventually, 42 people were indicted during this probe. Needless to say, the media reported numerous stories of illegal assessments, and unfair property taxation. Naturally, I am a strong supporter of Proposition of Proposition 13, and will fight any efforts to alter, and or repeal the initiative. Here is a short, but critical reminder of why Proposition 13 was vital to home owners. In the mid- 1970's real estate values skyrocketed. As result of a long standing practice of alternating and frequent increases in both assessed values and property tax rates, California property owners were faced with property taxation that spiraled out of control. Prior to the passage of Proposition 13, attempts to secure a legislative solution failed over 19 times. The people took matters in to their own hands with the help of Howard Jarvis. The Howard Jarvis tax initiative that overwhelmingly passed by a large margin revolutionized the taxation of real estate in California, and was a catalyst worldwide. History appears to be repeating itself. Property values, especially in Orange County have yet again skyrocketed. There are several initiatives in the works to raise taxes. Although efforts made to repeal Proposition 13 have failed, the passage of Proposition 39 in 2000 has cost homeowners billions of dollars. Proposition 39 lowered the two-thirds vote needed to 55% to pass school bonds. Currently, a group called "Taxpayers for School Improvement", and a group of leaders from the Silicon Valley are attempting to gut gains made of Proposition 13, making it easier to raise property taxes. The wheels are now in motion to have their initiatives on the 2006 ballot. With the rise in property values, if this occurs, people paying a fair share of property taxes will see their property taxes quadruple. People, especially senior citizens could have their assessments rise on homes they purchased many years ago to being assessed for millions of dollars. It is a frightening phenomenon. There have been efforts in the past to respond to citizens needs. Shirley Grindle's "tin cup" initiative was implemented. Tin Cup limited the amount of contributions that could be made in a year. The Legislature and others truly believe the citizens of California are under taxed. If they cannot repeal Proposition 13, then the on going efforts to get around it will financially devastate today's home owners. In the past, efforts to raise assessments bordered on unethical to illegal practices. The citizens of Orange need an advocate to note, and fight against these practices. As your elected Assessor I will fight against these malfeasances. Larry Bales PROPTAXER@AOL.COM 714-227-7966