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Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego Counties, CA November 4, 2014 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Diane L. Harkey

Candidate for
State Board of Equalization; District 4

This information is provided by the candidate

Issues - Jobs and Recovery

California's Legislature continues to pass hundreds of vague, unclear tax policies and often unenforceable regulations, and in doing so has created uncertainty among California businesses. With consistently high unemployment and total workforce numbers declining, our State cannot recover unless our people can find living-wage jobs. To do so requires a more friendly business climate to induce job creators to remain, grow and expand in our great state.

As referees in tax disputes between the State and taxpayers, the Board of Equalization, and by extension the Franchise Tax Board, have grown in their reach over the California tax system, stepping in to clarify uncertainties, define taxes, determine regulatory compliance, and adjudicate penalties.

It is essential to elect pro-taxpayer, pro-business members to the Board of Equalization. To facilitate employment and grow California's economy:

  • Taxpayers deserve a state government that is lean, efficient, and effective.

  • State policy must facilitate the free market and support a robust economy.

  • Our tax system must encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and small business growth.

  • Government must remember that is serves the people, not the other way around.

As a member of the Board of Equalization, I will work to:

  • Clarify uncertainties in tax law so that businesses can properly plan

  • Structure tax law in a way that accommodates the needs of the business cycle, not the government cycle.

  • Oppose attempts to implement a retroactive tax or penalty.

  • Halt attempts by state bureaucrats to expand a new tax or law beyond the original legislative intent.

  • Work with large and small businesses to fully understand the current business climate and help build policies that promote growth.

  • Encourage the Franchise Tax Board when auditing, to shorten timelines, minimizing the intrusion such that the entire process is more respectful to individuals and businesses, saving time and money for taxpayers and the state alike.

The Board of Equalization and Franchise Tax Board should adopt policies that focus on serving businesses and taxpayers, not antagonizing them. To do so requires leadership and support from the elected board members with a focus on growing our economy by helping, not hindering the job creators.

I promise to be a strong voice for the job creators, large and small, and the working people of this state. Working together we can make a difference and bring true recovery to California. I ask for your support and your vote.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: July 16, 2014 10:39
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