GrowSF is not thrilled with either candidate in this race. Unfortunately, neither candidate returned our questionnaire so we can't make an informed decision on the least-bad option.

Luckily, this elected office has no actual power. Here's a revealing excerpt from Wikipedia:

In March 2017, an audit by the California Department of Finance revealed missing funds and signs of nepotism, leading to calls for the governor to put the Board under a public trustee. In June 2017, the California Department of Justice began a criminal investigation into the members of the Board.

On June 27, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law legislation stripping the Board of many of its powers. The legislation created two new departments controlled by the governor responsible for the Board's statutory duties, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and the California Office of Tax Appeals.

The Board still has its constitutional powers to review property tax assessments and insurer tax assessments, and its role in the collection of alcohol excise and pipeline taxes. It retained 400 employees, with the rest of its 4,800 workers being shifted to the new departments.

Honestly, it barely matters who you vote for. The office has such limited powers that either candidate would probably do a fine job.

Sally Lieber (D) says that she "will fight to ensure that everyday people are heard; that our tax system is fair and equitable for homeowners, renters, people living with disabilities, small businesses, and communities of color; that utilities and other big money interests pay their fair share; and that every state agency works to combat climate change". But Lieber put zero information about her actual policies or relevant experience on her website. This doesn't inspire much confidence.

Lieber is endorsed by the Democratic establishment, including Governor Gavin Newson, and the California Democratic Party, among many others.

Peter Coe Verbica (R), a Certified Financial Planner, actually spells out some goals, unlike Lieber:

• Help the California County Tax Assessors get through their thousands of backlogs and relieve taxpayers of the burden of uncertainty

• Ensure that California Taxpayers receive due process in their appeals — whether the appeal is remotely heard via videoconference or in person

• Help California County Tax Assessors properly interpret and apply Proposition 19 in the most taxpayer-friendly way possible — within the letter of the law

• Encourage other tax-gathering arms under the control of the Governor to develop and enhance their own Taxpayers' Rights Advocate offices, where the obligation is to the taxpayer rather than garnering revenues for the sovereign

Verbica is endorsed by the Republican establishment.