December 7, 2009

Buchanan Receives “F” in First Year
Jarvis Taxpayer Award Failing Grade

San Ramon, California – The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California’s most respected taxpayer advocate, gave Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan a worthy “F” grade for her first year in Sacramento.  The annual list is an important benchmark for the public in assessing a candidate’s rhetoric as compared to his or her record.  Regardless of what politicians promise, vote history demonstrates the reality.

“The voters of the 15th Assembly District will determine if Assemblywoman Buchanan’s failing grades earn her a sophomore year,” said Duane Dichiara, a consultant to San Ramon Mayor Abram Wilson.  “Politicians in Sacramento and Washington have been failing taxpayers for years and Joan Buchanan is no different.  Her ranking actually makes her the worst of the worst.”

“If I am elected, I am committed to building a partnership between Sacramento and the business community so that we can start reforming the system and rebuilding our economy,” said Mayor Wilson.  “Sacramento’s policies are driving business from our state.  The only solution for Joan Buchanan is to raise taxes.  I will work to cut taxes.”

The 2009 HJTA Legislative Report Card rates lawmakers based on their votes on 35 bills. As HJTA has done in previous years, 14 bills were double-weighted, including all six constitutional amendments that attacked Proposition 13 or 218. Also, all legislators voting for February’s $12.6 billion in new income, sales and car taxes received an automatic 20 point deduction.

Buchanan’s “F” is accompanied by a score of “zero”, putting her at the very bottom of the entire State Assembly.

Mayor Wilson is running to restore fiscal responsibility to Sacramento.  In the City of San Ramon where he has been mayor for nearly a decade, budget reserves exceed an unprecedented 50% of the city’s budget. The State of California is currently facing a $28 billion budget shortfall.

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