California Deserves the Best
As California confronts some of its toughest challenges, financial security is a top priority. Oversight of the fourth largest economy in the world demands strong fiscal accountability, meticulous procedures and protocols and a determination to be fair in all financial reviews.
For the last 40 years I have devoted my life to the betterment of California. I have been active in educational and community foundations, local and municipal governance as a City Council member and Mayor of Santa Monica, to statewide representation as a member of the California Board of Equalization. The last four years I’ve served as the BOE Chair, representing taxpayers of District 3, the most populous district of the state.
I bring to my candidacy a unique perspective about what’s best for California, the challenges that confront us and creative approaches to making our state prosper. My record of accomplishment during tough times is exemplary.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I formed a Disaster Task Force to extend property tax filing deadlines for small businesses. We published an Issue Paper, drafted statewide guidance, proposed legislation and sought a Governor Executive Order to get the deadlines extended, so that taxpayers would not be fined late penalties.
When Proposition 19 was enacted in 2021, I instituted a BOE Proposition 19 Work Group and website location, inviting public input, complaints, questions, and concerns from everyone, ensuring that each one was addressed in writing, online, or by phone; almost 20,000 inquiries were received.
I believe the top priority California faces is affordable housing. To face this challenge, I initiated a Streamlining & Efficiency Project for our exemption processes, practices and procedures, and initiated an educational campaign to inform low-income housing applicants how to claim a property tax exemption, as half of them submit incomplete applications.
If elected the first Latino Treasurer of California, I will energize my decades of business savvy to develop new ideas that help grow successful businesses, invest in critical infrastructure, and streamline the process to build affordable housing. Affordable housing in California remains one of our most critical challenges, and the state can do more to streamline requirements and building permits and offer tax benefits to incentivize the development of new housing projects.
As Treasurer of California, I will promote innovation, inclusion for all people, and equal rights for all, including the Latino community, which often remains disenfranchised from the State’s financial prowess.
As the former Mayor of Santa Monica, I learned the important role cities and municipalities play in the health of our state economy. Cities throughout California, especially emerging Latino-controlled entities, are the catalyst for prosperity and creative energy, key to the state's success and growth.
I love California. Its unique worldwide population mix and its natural beauty has been a magnet for all who visit.
