Endorsement: The Board of Equalization shouldn’t exist. This candidate is finally willing to get rid of it.

John Pimentel, a Democratic elected trustee of the San Mateo County Community College District and renewable energy executive, is no novice. He’s open to dissolving the board and has the political sophistication to make such a case to the Legislature and to voters.

As California’s deputy secretary of transportation in the 1990s, he was involved in efforts to merge the California State Police with the California Highway Patrol, which an independent analysis found would improve security and save taxpayer funds. We also think Pimentel could help foster accountability and transparency at the board: He and other trustees of the San Mateo County Community College District investigated the chancellor emeritus for unethical conduct and voted to fire him; in January, the former chancellor was convicted of felony tax evasion and perjury. Pimentel also has legislative bona fides; he was a main proponent of a 2022 bill signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom that allows San Mateo County residents to attend community college for free. 

With his combination of deep experience and willingness to push for needed reforms, Pimentel is the best candidate in the race.

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