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State of California November 7, 2006 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Bill Leonard

Candidate for
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 re-election to 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 most respected taxpayer organizations in California - the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC, People's Advocate PAC and the National Tax Limitation Committee PAC.

Another important job of the Board is to hear appeals from taxpayers who believe they have been unfairly taxed by state or local government. The BOE must work to protect taxpayers, and I will continue to 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 supported 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 47 members of the California Senate and Assembly.

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.

I ask for your vote to be re-elected to the 2nd BOE district on November 7th. With 27 years of experience successfully fighting for lower taxes and less government waste, I have a proven record of protecting the rights of California taxpayers.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 23, 2006 11:59
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