Since it was founded in 1945, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association has grown to become a major player in the region's civic landscape.
The nonprofit's mission is to promote accountable, cost-effective and efficient government and oppose unnecessary new taxes and fees. It calls itself non-partisan, but its positions are usually allied with the Republican Party's.
Haney Hong, the new head of the association, said he wants to change the perception that the group is politically biased. As the group's new CEO, he said he also wants to engage young people in the political process.
“Our positions are very important, because precedents get set,” he told KPBS Midday Edition on Thursday.
Hong is a small-business owner and Navy reservist. He said one of the initiatives he plans to support is the improvement of local road infrastructure.
Two months ago, San Diego City Councilman Mark Kersey announced plans to ask city voters to devote future sales tax revenues and pension savings to fix roads and other deteriorating infrastructure.
“We want to make sure we’re part of that conversation,” Hong said.
