Political Philosophy for James S. "Jim" Bone

Candidate for
Assessor

JIM BONE -

UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO BE ORANGE COUNTY ASSESSOR

The assessor's job is an extremely technical, professional task that should be done by a highly qualified individual who is a property tax professional. The assessor's office appraises over 1,000,000 properties each year with a value of over $200 billion. The assessor's values cost Orange County taxpayers over $2 billion per year. Orange County taxpayers deserve the best, most qualified, ethical assessor.

I am a conservative Republican, who believes in good, minimum government. Government should do its tasks efficiently, with a focus on providing service to the taxpayers who pay for the salaries and benefits.

I believe in Proposition 13, and have worked for over 20 years to implement it completely. I am still working to finish that process because Orange County still violates both the spirit and laws of Proposition 13.

The assessor's job is not simply a management job, measured by how many units of production get done. My opponent is proud of his aerospace, manufacturing style of management. I am angry that Orange County has the highest error rate and worst training of all urban counties. Knowlegable elected Orange County officials, city officials, and many businesses know exactly how bad the situation is.

We desperately need a change away from business as usual.

I am also concerned that the current administration will not work with individuals and organizations in both the private sector and government to provide information about Orange County property. The job is not simply to create information, it is to share it with others who have every legal right to have access to the information.

ABOUT THE JOB

The job is has two aspects: analyze and appraise every property fairly, without bending to special interests, and assure everyone that they are paying the right tax according to California law, and to provide timely, accurate information about the property to individuals and organizations.

The best assessor is one who follows the Constitution and the Revenue & Taxation Code, fairly values all the property in the county, and communicates information to the public and to other government agencies. A good assessor must have a good understanding of the disciplines of law, appraisal, accounting, real estate, finance, economics, government, management, and communications. Since the job involves directing a staff of 300, the assessor must also have proven leadership and management skills.

JIM BONE'S QUALIFICATIONS

I am uniquely qualified to be the assessor, with over 30 years of management and professional experience. I bring a combination of business, government, and property tax experience. I am qualified as an expert on California assessment and appeals, and have worked since 1990 to improve California property taxes for businesses and homeowners.

For the past two years, I have maintained a public-service home page entitled California Property Tax Resources

My background as an arbitrator, administrative law judge, (and even high-level soccer referee), all demonstrate my ethical approach to decision making.

I am honest, ethical, and experienced, all of which are vital to good government.

As Controller of The Handyman Stores and Health Industries (parent company of Jack LaLanne's European Health Spas) I directed large departments, interrelated with others, and managed complex reporting systems.

I formed my CPA business in Mission Viejo in 1976, and since that time I have provided professional, quality business and tax services to Orange County residents. Since 1990, I have also provided consulting services in property taxation to businesses, property owners, and government.

My new book: PROPERTY TAX CALIFORNIA STYLE

"Outstanding Book!" "Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our efforts here at the Board of Equalization to update California's property tax law system." Quotes from Dean Andal, Chairman, about Jim's new book.

I have written two books on California property taxes and how they work. My second book has been described as a book on how an assessor's office should do it's job. See information and a chapter from Property Tax California Style by clicking on the text.)

My book describes how a California assessor's office should do its' job, and how I will manage the Orange County Assessor's office after I am elected.

GOOD, MINIMUM GOVERNMENT

I believe in good, minimum government, which is important because the assessor's tax roll costs Orange County property owners over $2 billion in property taxes each year. A 1% error in the appraised/assessed value of that property is more than the entire budget of the assessor's office for a year.

PROBLEMS TO CORRECT

The present assessor has isolated his department from the public, from county government, and from the assessment community throughout the state. I will immediately reverse that postion, create internet access to the department, and change the office from a private, confidential one to an information source for the public portion of the data that the assessor's office creates and maintains.

The present assessor and his project managers have created an insular, antagonistic department. I will change that policy.

MY COMMITTMENT TO THE CITIZENS OF ORANGE COUNTY

We will get the right value, the first time, on every assessment.

If we make an error, then we will fix it.

We will discuss every assessment with the taxpayer.

If we still can't agree, then we will present an honest case to the assessment appeals board and ask them to arbitrate the issue.

We will communicate with taxpayers, including the internet and community outreach. We will change the office from a black hole of information to an information source for taxpayers and government.

We will use the available AB818 money to invest in people through training, in technology through a shift from main-frame to Windows-based systems and hardware, and communications with internet and electronic communication with taxpayers and government.

We will quit wasting money.

We will be professional, and become a part of the statewide assessment community once again.