Larry McCarthy is the president of the California Taxpayers’ Association. Cal-Tax does not typically make endorsements of candidates, yet they felt compelled to do so in the race for Governor this year. McCarthy walks FR readers through the reasons why they endorsed Arnold Schwarzenegger for reelection in this short piece…
Why Schwarzenegger Is The Choice to Protect California’s TaxpayersBy Larry McCarthy
It is good news for California voters when there are clear distinctions between candidates on the ballot. Voters then have a reasonable expectation of what their vote will mean for the future of our state. There is no better example of this than the differences between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Phil Angelides.
Throughout his tenure as Governor, Schwarzenegger has kept his pledge to protect taxpayers – and refuse to place additional burdens on them and the economy. In fact, of the 12 bills identified as top priorities this year by the California Taxpayers’ Association (Cal-Tax), the Governor’s actions were consistent with taxpayer interests 100% of the time. The positions he has taken on November ballot measures are also 100% supportive of California’s hardworking taxpayers and economic stimulation. His actions and leadership speak volumes about his commitments.
Governor Schwarzenegger has also focused careful attention on how hard-earned tax dollars are spent by the state. His budgets have reflected taxpayer priorities — meeting this state’s critical needs while working to end the budget deficit mistakes he inherited. It is important to note that Governor Schwarzenegger’s commitment to protecting taxpayers helps keep our economy strong – and revenues flowing into state coffers that fund essential services like education, public safety and healthcare.
On the flip side, the tax policies of Phil Angelides would be devastating to our state’s economy. With the massive tax increases he proposes, our economy simply can’t keep quality jobs and investment. And with our current tax system producing record revenue, it is a huge mistake for California’s future economic stability to ask our citizens to shoulder additional burdens. Phil Angelides also proposes more runaway public spending that will set up deficits as far as the eye can see.
It is these distinct differences on tax policy that have led the Cal-Tax Board of Directors to take the unusual action of endorsing a candidate. Governor Schwarzenegger has proven his leadership in protecting taxpayers, and he is committed to a second term with no tax increases – while his opponent is committed to billions in new taxes.
So, this Tuesday, Californians have an unambiguous choice to make: a candidate who is committed to responsible fiscal policy, economic growth and protecting hardworking Californians, or a candidate whose extreme tax increase policies will only cripple our economy and drive away the investment and jobs essential to Californians. Governor Schwarzenegger is the clear choice for California’s taxpayers.