Prang disagrees with Governor's veto

Councilmember Jeffrey Prang, leading candidate for Los Angeles County Assessor on theNovember 4th ballot, expressed disappointment in Governor Brown's veto of Assembly Bill (AB) 2415 by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), mandating tax agents register in a manner similar to lobbyists that provides greater accountability and transparency.

The bill's provisions were similar to those of a Los Angeles County ordinance championed by Mr. Prang that prohibits tax agents from contributing to Assessor candidates. Despite the veto, the local ordinance remains intact and enforceable.

"With utmost respect for our Governor, I am deeply disappointed in his decision to veto AB 2415," Prang said. "This valuable legislation would have meant greater transparency and accountability within this profession, and ensuring taxpayers their government is acting honestly and fairly should be the top priority of each elected official."

With this veto, the Governor rejected a measure requiring property tax agents to register with the State, a change necessary after Los Angeles County Assessor, John Noguez, and a Tax Agent, Ramin Salari, allegedly conspired to illegally lower property tax assessments and were subsequently charged with corruption.

In rejecting the measure, Brown acknowledged "serious misconduct in a limited number of cases," but argued this did not justify a new registration program.

As part of the Reform Administration brought on to remove Noguez and restore the integrity of the Assessor's Office, Mr. Prang made clear his support for "any reasonable measure to illuminate the actions of tax assessors and prevent future abuses."