Taxation without representation
Those of us who complain about the
recent twelve cent increase in gas tax might recall Proposition 6 on the
November 6, 2018 General Election Ballot which not only offered an opportunity
to repeal this $56.1 billion tax, but also required majority voter approval for
new or increased state fuel or vehicle taxes.
Incredibly, this Proposition failed - a missed opportunity by California voters.
The
Democratic Party held a "Super Majority" in both houses of our State
Legislature but lost it when Senator Josh Newman was recalled in 2018 for
supporting this gas tax increase.
When
considering our Governor is a Democrat and his political party remains in
control of State Legislature, it would appear the California Taxpayer is held
captive to the will of the Democrats.
It
should be noted that The State Board of Equalization once administered this gas
tax and a host of other taxes but was stripped of most of its authority by the
State Legislature in 2017.
The
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) now administers
these taxes. The head of the CDTFA is
appointed by the Governor with approval by the Senate; whereas, the Board of
Equalization is administered by four elected officials which offers some
accountability to California voters.
A
Public Utility like PG & E or California-American Water Co (Cal-Am) are
legally created monopolies supposedly, for the public good.
California, in an effort to
restrict a public utility from excessive fees, rate increases or other
potential abuses to their customer base, created the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as
an advocate for the rate payer.
The
five Commissioners of the CPUC are appointed to six year staggered terms by the
Governor and confirmed by the State Senate.
As previously noted, all current appointments will be made under the
supervision of a Democratic party majority.
The
San Bruno disaster and recent catastrophic fires in California has called into
question whether the CPUC is failing in its duty to properly regulate public
utilities.
Moreover, for the past several
years, the CPUC has acted as a "Lead Agent" in behalf of Cal-Am with respect to
their pursuit of a slant well desal facility.
One has to wonder how it is possible for the CPUC to act in behalf of
Cal Am and remain an advocate for the
rate payer? Why is this not a
conflict of interest?
Considering the CPUC commissioners
are appointees by a single party dominated by Democrats, and the rate payer has
a serious complaint with respect to a public utility, where does he go for
relief?
Clearly, the current political
dominance by Democrats allows, not only tax legislation but utility rate and
fee increases without voter representation - a troubling prospect.
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