Candidate for
Council Member; City of San Diego; District 6

Chris Cate is a leading taxpayer advocate in San Diego with a deep knowledge of the issues facing the city. He has worked tirelessly on the passage of voter-approved reforms to government employee pensions, government contracting, and stopping the proposed sales tax increase.

As the Vice President of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA), a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to promoting cost-effective and efficient government, Chris plays a leadership role in planning the Association's public policy and advocacy efforts, as well as SDCTA's daily operations. SDCTA has influenced local and state legislation, as well as the outcome of numerous ballot propositions in an effort to ensure cities and public agencies exercise accountability, efficiency and fiscal discipline on behalf of taxpayers. During his tenure, Chris has helped in fighting tax increases across the county that has resulted in saving taxpayers more than $1 billion.

Prior to serving as SDCTA's Vice President, Chris served as Policy Director for San Diego city councilman Kevin Faulconer. Chris oversaw issues relating to the city's budget as well as the implementation of reforms such as managed competition and outsourcing.

Chris earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego. During his time as USD, Chris and a high school friend started a successful small business in Kearny Mesa that specializes in auto glass replacement and windshield repair.

Chris currently serves as a member of a number of organizations and has been highly active in the Asian Pacific Islander community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Asian Business Association (ABA) and has been responsible for events, programming and public policy for ABA. Chris is also a proud member and supporter of the Pacific Arts Movement, which holds the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival as well as a number of screenings and programs throughout the region. He has also served on a number of citizen committees in the city and around the county. Chris has also been a member of various School Bond Oversight Committees, overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer funded school construction projects.