Voter's Edge California Voter Guide
Get the facts before you vote.
Brought to you by
MapLight
League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Tuesday June 5, 2018 — California Primary Election
Invest in unbiased information

With your support, we can reach and inform more voters.

Donate now to spread the word.

California Board of EqualizationCandidate for Member, District 4

Photo of David Dodson

David Dodson

Democratic
Board of Equalization Property Tax Administrator
234,534 votes (14.9%)
Use tab to activate the candidate button. Use "return" to select this candidate. You can access your list by navigating to 'My Choices'.
For more in-depth information on this candidate, follow the links for each tab in this section. For most screenreaders, you can hit Return or Enter to enter a tab and read the content within.
Candidate has provided information.
Thank candidate for sharing their information on Voter's Edge.

My Top 3 Priorities

  • Restore the capacity for the Board of Equalization to continue its important oversight of California's property tax system.
  • Protecting taxpayer rights while ensuring efficient and fair administration of the property tax system.
  • Continue my service as an experienced steward of good governance with the Board of Equalization.

Experience

Biography

David Dodson has worked as a Property Appraiser, Instructor, and Supervisor with the Board of Equalization for over twenty-five years. He has developed a high degree of expertise, experience, and high level contacts in this specialized field. A business graduate from the University of Arizona David also attended San Diego State University. David has worked for the Los Angeles County Assessor and proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. David lives in Dana Point with wife Penny and has two college age children, Emily and Alex. Originally from Manhattan Beach David enjoys surfing and outdoor sports.

 

David is in charge of the Southern California office of the Board of Equalization’s Property Tax Department. Until recently, the Property Tax department was a small division of a much larger Board overseeing a wide variety of tax programs. Legislation was passed to strip the Board of most of its duties and responsibilities. Once in charge of 4,800 employees and collecting over $60 billion in taxes, the Board now oversees only the Property Tax Department. The Property Tax Department has been David’s life’s work.

 

The taxpayers of California deserve to have knowledgeable representation to protect their rights. When the incumbent left the race David took the opportunity to offer his service. Long known as a place for termed out career politicians, the Board of Equalization now needs experienced leadership to guide it forward in its new role.

 

The Board of Equalization Property Tax department oversees the fifty-eight county assessors and administers state property tax assessments. The Property Tax Department also provides expert technical support and education to the assessor’s and the public. In his twenty-five years with the Board David has achieved an advanced understanding of the complex property tax system and has served in a variety of capacities in the department. David especially enjoys helping taxpayers and assessor’s staff navigate complicated property tax situations.

 

David was born at Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky and his family soon headed west to California. His father was a Berkeley Law graduate and Los Angeles area attorney. His mother is a well respected teacher who is retired from Cypress College. David’s brother Rick has had a long career in the television and film industry in Hollywood. David’s sister teaches school in Palos Verdes. David has been married to his wife Penny for twenty-three years. Penny works in special education in South Orange County. David’s daughter Emily is attending college in Arizona and his son Alex is attending college in Minnesota.

 

Since entering the property tax field David has always gone to great lengths to seek additional education and experience in order to stay current in his profession. After graduating in business with a specialization in regional development David successfully perused a certificate of competence in real estate. David became a real estate broker and entered the mortgage business. David became interested in real estate appraisal and became a property tax appraiser with the Los Angeles County Assessor. This led to his career with the Board of Equalization. David continues to take advantage of educational opportunities that are relevant to his specialization in property taxation. Considering the new direction of the Board of Equalization, David is the most experienced and qualified candidate for this seat and will help guide the new Board members after his election.

Who supports this candidate?

Who gave money to this candidate?

Contributions

Total money raised: $750

Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:

1
Democratic Women of South Orange County
$250
2
Employees of State of California
$150
3
Employees of CGO Ligvist Technologies
$100
4
Employees of HUD
$50
4
Employees of South Coast Water District
$50

More information about contributions

By State:

California 86.67%
Washington 13.33%
86.67%13.33%

By Size:

Large contributions (100.00%)
Small contributions (0.00%)
100.00%

By Type:

From organizations (33.33%)
From individuals (66.67%)
33.33%66.67%
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.

Please share this site to help others research their voting choices.

PUBLISHING: SERVER:PRODUCTION