California Board of EqualizationCandidate for Member, District 3

Tony Vazquez is a tireless advocate for fair taxation representation and equal access to support for all California homeowners and businesses.

Currently Vazquez serves as the Chairman of the California Board of Equalization (BOE), representing District 3. The district encompasses most of Los Angeles County, all of Ventura County and a portion of San Bernardino.

Elected to the BOE in November 2018, Vazquez has 20 years of business and government experience, built on a foundation of strategic and long-term planning and municipal/legislative action.

Throughout his two decades of public service, he has met the challenges of responsible growth and development, fiscal responsibility, public safety, affordable housing, open and responsive government, and education.

Vazquez began his public service career as District Director for former Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon. He helped revitalize the poorest areas of the northeast San Fernando Valley and worked to repurpose the former General Motors plant. He was a Santa Monica City Council member for ten years, and served terms as Mayor Pro Tempore in 2015 and Mayor in 2016. Vazquez was the first Latino ever to serve as Mayor of Santa Monica since the city was incorporated in 1886.

As Mayor of Santa Monica, Vazquez:

·       Advocated for streamlined business licensing and regulations;

·        Implemented innovative transportation projects;

·       Worked to obtain funding for affordable housing;

·       Promoted the passage of the city's Minimum Wage ordinance;

·       Supported the transitioning of the homeless into permanent housing;

·       Fought for local control of airport lands; and

·       Led the City Council in adopting a comprehensive Downtown Community Plan.

In the private sector, Vazquez served as the Southern California Regional Director for the California Futures Network. There he promoted smart growth policy and legislation in the State of California. As Community Planner for the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, he facilitated funding for community programs throughout the San Fernando Valley.

Vazquez believes strongly in the importance of a quality education for all children. He was a schoolteacher as well as a teacher trainer, and was a member of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District's Strategic Planning and Feasibility Committees.

Vazquez graduated from Santa Monica City College and continued his education at the University of Southern California where he received his degree and education certification. A resident of Santa Monica since 1984, he and his wife, Maria, have two grown children and one grandchild.

Vazquez said, “I am honored to have had the opportunity to put my passion, experience, and diligence to work representing 10 million Californians as an elected Member of the California State Board of Equalization but there is still much work to do.  I look forward to the opportunity of serving four more years.”

During his first term, Vazquez worked with the State Legislature and Governor Newsom to assist California taxpayers.  From public hearings, townhalls to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Proposition 19 and Disaster Relief.  Vazquez worked collaboratively with the Governor's office to obtain relief for personal property taxpayers and small businesses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to work on Property Tax, Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers.

“As a Board Member I have fought tirelessly as an advocate for fair taxation representation and equal access to support for constituents of the 3^rd District.  With 20 years of business and government experience, I will continue to build on a foundation of strategic and long-term planning and municipal/legislative action and help you and small businesses better understand your state tax requirements and successfully navigate the tax-paying process.  I have devoted my life to education, economic prosperity, and improving the quality of life for all Californians” said Vazquez.

The Primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.  Vazquez is proud to announce that he is endorsed by: Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang, State Controller Betty Yee, Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, Assemblyman Mike Gipson.  For a full list of endorsements visit: TonyVazquez.org