El Dorado County’s Election is right around the corner (June 2nd) and mail-in ballots were distributed May 4th! While there are a few contested races, I would like to turn your attention to one with significant impacts on the County’s finances: Treasurer-Tax Collector. The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for issuing business licenses, collecting property taxes, and managing a $1.1B investment portfolio. The elected candidate will direct these operations and manage some 25 personnel. Let’s take a closer look at the two candidates on the ballot!
Sean Coppola is a Certified Treasury Professional and your current Treasurer-Tax Collector, who was unanimously appointed by the County Board of Supervisors following his predecessor’s retirement. Prior to this role he served as Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector and oversaw 200 staff as Controller for a nationwide property management firm. Mr. Coppola is endorsed by individuals such as previous Treasurer-Tax Collector K.E. Coleman, former Sheriff John D’Agostini, three County Supervisors, and fellow foothill County Treasurer-Tax Collectors.
Corey Leikauf is currently an Administrative Analyst II in the Auditor-Controller’s Office. His prior work experience includes serving as an auditor for Deloitte and Eide Bailly but does not appear to have any experience leading departments. Mr. Leikauf is endorsed by individuals such as Assembly Member Heather Hadwick, former state legislators Ted and Beth Gaines, and various law enforcement officials.
At a glance, the candidates have similar backgrounds – both were raised in El Dorado County and are in their early 30’s – though each candidate has distinct advantages in this race. Mr. Coppola is an incumbent with experience managing the Office and was mentored by our previous Treasurer-Tax Collector. Mr. Leikauf is Sheriff Leikauf’s son and inherently leverages his father’s political influence within the County.
This presents a conflict where voters cannot be certain that the supporters behind Mr. Leikauf’s campaign truly acknowledge him as the most qualified candidate, or if they are endorsing him due to their relationships with the Sheriff. Considering the Sheriff is arguably the County’s most influential elected official, others may stay silent rather than risk the political fallout of endorsing his son’s opponent.
Voters should also be concerned with the integrity of a candidate that is campaigning on “trust” and “accountability”, when Mr. Leikauf’s candidate statement lists him as “Deputy Auditor-Controller”. No such title exists within County government; he is a staff-level analyst. This is a disingenuous political tactic aimed at deceiving voters into believing that he has more experience when he is actually far less qualified than Mr. Coppola. When asked during the March El Dorado County GOP meeting, Mr. Leikauf had no concerns to offer about the performance of the current Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. This left me suspicious of his personal motivations.
The people of El Dorado County deserve a Treasurer-Tax Collector that is elected on merit, not family connections and misleading voters. Please consider voting for Sean Coppola this June to ensure that El Dorado County’s finances are managed with experience and integrity, and to lead this great County towards a prosperous future.
