It’s not often that taxpayers get good news, especially in tax-happy California. Even more surprising is when the good news is an official opinion from the state’s Attorney General, someone not normally associated with friendly treatment to taxpayers.

Last November, this column noted that local governments, especially school districts, were prone to engage in questionable campaign activity to secure an unfair advantage in bond elections. Although it is illegal for officials to use public resources (including public funds) to urge a vote for or against a political issue, consultants frequently advise tax proponents to wage one sided “informational” campaigns. This includes sending out material stating all the good things a bond or tax measure will do, but usually they stop just short of violating the law by telling people how to vote. (Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has had multiple successes in obtaining court injunctions against school districts that cross the line into advocacy, but by the time the court rules, the political damage has already been done). And to top it all off, the “consultants” compensated with taxpayer dollars are frequently given financial incentives if they win.

Fortunately, the incestuous behavior of school districts with political consultants and bond salesmen received a long overdue slap down last week. The opinion, in response to several questions proffered by California’s Controller John Chiang, covers many activities taxpayers have been complaining about for years.

To read the entire column click here http://www.hjta.org/california-commentary/attorney-general-reins-in-shady-bond-practices/

This entry was posted on Monday, February 1st, 2016 at 7:41 am and is filed under Blog Posts.