Author: Katsuyo Fukuyama

Women Political Powerhouses

220px-Susan_B_Anthony_c1855The following list of the women political powerhouses in US history was shared by Anne Hoiberg, President of the Women’s Museum of California. Anne was our guest speaker at the club’s July 2014 meeting.

2015 Feb Talk on Property Taxes

Dan McAllister

February Guest Speaker – Dan McAllister, San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Dan started with warm-up jokes then proceeded to a very informative presentation.

Dan’s brief biography:

  • Grew up in San Diego County, spent many summers in Vista as a child
  • Joined Peace-corp.
  • MBA with emphasis in Finance.
  • Was first elected for the position in 2002 and was reelected for his fourth term in 2014.

Some highlights on what Dan has done in the position:

  • Brought a diversity to the senior management team. When he started out it was all White male, and over 50 of age. As they retired Dan brought in qualified people in different genders, race and backgrounds.
  • Emphasizing the customer service by:
    • Hiring multilingual employees in responding to growing diversification in the county’s population.
    • Making drastic changes to the tax bill looks to make it easier for the tax payers to follow. Dan solicited input on the changes from different organization. One of such group was elementary school children. The results were clear in an sample bill he presented.
    • Taking initiatives to educate people in various organizations.

Some facts and data about San Diego County:

  • More than one million bills were generated. $5.1 billion will be collected this fiscal year.
  • Growing population is now 3.2 million.
  • Holds 99% collection rate which is the best in California. Educating the tax payers is a key; Dan travels the county wide to inform people what the property tax is about.
  • Declining White population and moving into a diversified population – 95% in 1960’s, 55% in 2000, and 47% in 2010.
  • The home price is going higher by demand and supply law. Shrinkage of the land for large scale development and the population increase creating the price increase.
  • The schools are largest recipient (43% in 2012-2013 fiscal year) of the 1% property tax.

Side tracks:

  • When asked what icon or image should be on the bill to make it look friendly, one elementary student suggested a fuzzy puppy.
  • The tax collector allocates the fund to the school districts, but does not see how the money is spent. It’s up to people in each school district to monitor the spending.