Jon Petersen (L): 1998 Candidate for Treasurer

Office Sought: Jon Petersen seeks to hold office as the 1998 California State Treasurer. The treasurer operates as the state's banker. They sell bonds, invest in other financial institutions and pay out funds. The treasurer is member to 45 boards and commissions that deal with spending bonds on California infrastructure and public programs.

Personal Background: Jon Petersen is a computer programmer who holds an M.S. in mathematics from Stanford University. He is Treasurer of the Libertarian Party of California and former Chairman of the Santa Clara Libertarian Party. Jon lives in San Jose California with his wife Marianne and their 7 children.

Previous Political Experience: In 1994 Mr. Petersen unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer. In this five-way race, which was won by Matt Fong, he had 4.1% of the vote. Another failed political attempt was in 1996, when he ran for the 24th District seat in the State Assembly. In this contest he lost with 4.8% of the vote. Currently he is the treasurer for the Libertarian Party of California. Also he has been a manager, led volunteer organizations, developed financial systems for a major manufacturer, and served on a city budget committee.

Major Campaign Platform Issues: Mr. Petersen wants to ensure the government maintains respect for each individual while truly serving the public. He believes the voters are in charge, and should be treated as so. One of his first acts as Treasurer would be to stop the use of lease-revenue bonds for projects that were voted down by the people. Another goal is the repair of California's credit rating.

Information taken from DeBow and Syer, POWER AND POLITICS IN CALIFORNIA, 5th ed. [1997] and from the 1997-1998 CALIFORNIA POLITICAL ALMANAC [1997].

Contact: John Thompson
Contact: Isaac Raya
Last Revised: December 3, 1997