Editor,
A slick, four-page political mailer supporting David Canepa’s campaign to be county assessor/clerk/recorder arrived the other day. What’s interesting is who paid for it — not Canepa but the Coalition for Patient Access and Innovation sponsored by California Life Sciences. Who is California Life Sciences? We don’t know. Its website says they’re a consortium of biotechnology companies, but you can only see their roster if you become a member.
While Citizens United is one of the worst decisions ever handed down, I staunchly defend everyone’s right to express political views. But knowing who is expressing those views lets the rest of us better judge them. San Mateo County has a history of biotech companies going to great lengths to minimize their property taxes. That, too, is lawful. But it’s easier for a powerful, wealthy biotech company to succeed than a small business or homeowner. Even with that advantage, I can tell you, as a former biotech chief financial officer myself, it’s always helpful to have a friendly person on the other side of that negotiating table. Well worth the cost of an expensive mailer.
Mark Olbert
San Carlos
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