Unfortunately, term limits yet again are putting another outstanding elected official out of office.  This time it is the Honorable Bill Leonard- State Board of Equalization Member.  I recieved an e-mail regarding his decision to endorse former Assemblywoman and his Chief Deputy for the Board, Barbara Alby.  I must say that I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Mr. Leonard.  In fact, I sincerely hope that he continues his profound impact upon the betterment of the communities and citizens of the state of California by running for another office.

Here's the e-mail:

Dear Republican Friends,

As many of you know, I will be termed out of office next year.

I can think of no one else I would choose to recommend to succeed me on the California State Board of Equalization other than my Chief Deputy, Barbara Alby.

Barbara first joined my team while I was serving in the California State Assembly.  I asked her to be my Chief Deputy when I was elected to the California State Board of Equalization.  She has been with me for my entire tenure on the Board and has been an invaluable asset and counsel.

Barbara  has proven to be a tireless advocate for the taxpayer and business community.  With the economy in such dire straits, taxpayers need to have a "friend" on the state tax board who promotes business expansion and jobs in California, not chases them out of California.

Barbara understands the bureaucratic quagmires at the Board of Equalization and she knows well how to navigate those waters!   Along with me, she has witnessed untold "horror" stories that have befallen taxpayers who have tried valiantly to comply with the voluminous state regulations and laws.

As a successful businesswoman prior to her public service, Barbara understands the need for conservative values impacting public policy.  That is why before her own election to the state Assembly, she recruited and deployed hundreds of volunteers to legislative campaigns throughout the state.  For the past 12 years she represented California at the Republican National Committee where she was always willing to fearlessly defend our values despite what was oftentimes powerful opposition.  Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention her steadfast commitment over these many years to the California Federation of Republican Women.  She continues to be one of CFRW's greatest advocates.

While in the Assembly, Barbara championed laws to protect women and children from sexual predators.  She authored legislation that established the Child Molester Hotline as well as "Megan's Law."  Barbara fought to protect our children from criminals on school campuses after a young woman was murdered on a high school campus in her district.  That legislation is known as the "Michelle Montoya" law.

Barbara has demonstrated her leadership as a successful businesswoman, in the California Legislature, in the California Republican Party, the National GOP and at the Board of Equalization - our country's only elected tax commission!

I wholeheartedly endorse Barbara Alby to succeed me as the 2nd District Representative to the California State Board of Equalization and I ask you to join me in my support of Barbara.

Sincerely,

Bill Leonard
Second District, Board of Equalization

(Not created or sent at public expense)