“I’m not interested in politics as usual. I will reform the Board of Equalization so it works fairly and without corruption.”
—John Pimentel
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$103.9 Billion in revenue annually in California is overseen by the BOE. That is 30% of the state budget. The BOE is a publicly elected tax commission responsible for overseeing California’s property tax system and ensuring real estate assessments are fair and uniform across all 58 counties. It consists of four district members directly elected by voters every four years, alongside the State Controller.
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The BOE is the nation's only directly elected tax board, giving voters a representative to hold accountable for tax administration practices. The board writes rules and guidelines for implementing major voter-approved tax measures, including Proposition 19 and provisions affecting property transfers for seniors, disabled homeowners, and heirs. The BOE is responsible for property tax oversight that directly supports local K-12 public education, community colleges, public safety, and city infrastructure. The BOE also supports business owners by driving uniform standards across all 58 counties to prevent unfair property valuation spikes or unequal tax burdens on business real estate. Businesses in insurance or alcohol manufacturing and distribution receive clear rules, licensing guidance, and assessment procedures directly through the BOE.
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Property Tax Oversight: Guidance, standards, and audits provided to county assessors ensure equalized tax burdens statewide.
State-Assessed Properties: Valuation of inter-county property, public utilities, and commercial railroads.
Specialized Excise Taxes: Direct administration of the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and the Tax on Insurers
Trusted by Respected California Leaders
Leaders across California support John because they know he has the experience, integrity, and independence to reform the Board and deliver results.
*Titles for identification purposes only.
Congressman
Kevin Mullin
Congressman
Sam Liccardo
California State Treasurer
Fiona Ma
Representative
Anna Eshoo
San José Mayor
Matt Mahan
Fmr. Representative
Tom Campbell
State Assemblymember
Marc Berman
State Assemblymember
Matt Haney
State Senator
Josh Becker
State Senator
Tim Grayson
Santa Clara County Supervisor
Margaret Abe-Koga
San Mateo County
Central Labor Council
Click here to view the full list of supporters,
including current & former state legislators, labor, education, environmental, & community leaders, and more!
“...John Pimentel is the best candidate for the Board of Equalization District 2 seat...”
John Pimentel’s record isn’t about promises. It’s about the results he’s delivered.
Implemented FREE community college.
John is part of the first generation in his family to go to college. He understands the life-changing power of education. That’s why as Community College Trustee, John led efforts to create Free College, leading to a 24 percent rise in enrollment, with 35,000 students using the program to reduce the cost of college or enhance their skills and earnings.
Uncovered fraud.
Saved millions.
On the community college board, John found and fixed massive fraud that saved taxpayers millions and made the culture radically transparent. As CA Dep. Sec. for Transportation he fixed earthquake damaged freeways in record time and enhanced public safety. He will bring that same focus to BOE, strengthening transparency and accountability to earn the Public’s trust.
Created green energy savings and thousands of jobs.
John developed more than 1.5 billion dollars worth of renewable energy projects, creating thousands of union jobs and reducing energy costs.
THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION IS NOT WORKING FOR ORDINARY CALIFORNIANS
“I will close unfair loopholes so billionaires and corporations pay their fair share, strengthen oversight to stop corruption and favoritism, and fight to end sales tax on restaurant, prepared, and delivered food.”
—John Pimentel
John’s Priorities
for a Fairer California
Close unfair tax loopholes.
Too many corporations and wealthy individuals use loopholes and sweetheart tax breaks to avoid paying what they owe. John will fight to end these shady schemes and make sure billionaires and corporations play by the same rules as everyone else.
Stop corruption and favoritism.
The Board has failed to stop corruption and favoritism at the county-assessor level and has rubber-stamped sweetheart tax breaks for powerful utilities. John will strengthen oversight, increase transparency, and reform the Board so it operates effectively and earns back the public’s trust.
Extend sales tax exemption to all food.
Californians are struggling with the high cost of everyday life. John will fight to extend California’s food sales-tax exemption to the restaurant, prepared, and delivered food people rely upon in their busy lives.
Help John Reform the Board of Equalization
John will close unfair loopholes, stop corruption and favoritism, and fight to end sales tax on food.
Join his campaign to bring tax fairness, accountability, and common-sense reform to the Board of Equalization.
Board of Equalization
District 2
District 2 includes over 10 million people, almost 6 million voters, and covers 19 counties from Ventura County to the Oregon Border.
Counties in district include:
Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Trinity, Ventura