☆ Assessor candidate Kumar leads expansive Tax Reform agenda into Assessor finals

N. Currier. Destruction of tea at Boston Harbor. , 1846. [New York: N. Currier] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/91795889/.

County officials are still snapping at each other regarding the proceeds from the “bait-and-switch" Measure A. At the same time, underdog Assessor finalist Rishi Kumar gains the support of local political leaders with his aggressive tax reform platform. An Opp Now exclusive.

It's the “Tax” assessor, after all.

Alone among assessor primary candidates, Assessor candidate Kumar centered his primary campaign on substantial and bold tax reform concepts. And the effort earned him a spot in a finals run-off against South Bay Labor-endorsed Neysa Fligar.

Kumar's tax reform agenda is based on:

Exempting seniors from property tax.
Strengthening protections for Proposition 13.
Opposing new taxes (Measure A) and tax increases.
Calling for an audit of the Tax Assessor's office.

“The county tax assessor should be much, much more than just a 1990's bureaucratic staff position churning out spreadsheets," Kumar says. It should be about being a Leader on taxes--about developing and advocating for tax policy for all county residents that would make Santa Clara County more affordable--and is fair, equitable, transparent, and efficient.

“The Tax Assessor position has been stuck in the 1990s for ages--with archaic technology, archaic processes, and an outdated vision of what the Assessor's office can do and influence. I plan to bring the office up to date and into the 2030's--on Day One," Kumar said.

Kumar's bold tax reform ideas have won him the support of numerous county political leaders, including Liang Fang Chao, Mayor of Cupertino; Stan Bogosian former Mayor of Saratoga; and Kansen Chu, former SJ Councilmember.

“Rishi stands apart as a reform candidate who calls out inefficiency and fights to return taxpayer dollars to the people. While other candidates speak broadly about modernizing an outdated office, Rishi is the only one with hands-on experience applying automation to reduce inefficiencies, resolve stuck property appeals and modernize manual appraisals. Experience matters — but the right kind of executive leadership matters more.

“Ultimately, this election is about who can bring fresh energy, innovation and effective management to the assessor’s office. Rishi Kumar has both the vision and the record to deliver measurable results for the people of Santa Clara County."
- Mayor Liang Fang Chao of Cupertino

“Rishi brings a tech-built mindset to government — cheaper, faster, better. He led the charge to stop the Measure A sales-tax hike because every dollar matters, and fiscal discipline should always come before political convenience.”
- Kansen Chu, former SJ Councilmember

“Rishi Kumar has never taken our hard-earned tax dollars for granted. As a city councilmember, he always insisted on efficient government, and never rubber-stamped requests from city staff for additional appropriations. Like just about everyone else, I don't relish paying my property tax, but with Rishi as Assessor, I can rest easy knowing that he's keeping costs to the bare minimum."

--Stan Bogosian , Former Mayor,
City of Saratoga

☆ Assessor candidate Kumar leads expansive Tax Reform agenda into Assessor finals

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