...five-member Board of Equalization...
Huh?
The Board of Equalization collects California state sales and use tax, as well as fuel, alcohol, and tobacco taxes and fees that provide revenue for state government and essential funding for counties, cities, and special districts.
http://www.boe.ca.gov/members/board.htm
The Board’s five members serve concurrent four-year terms as the nation’s only elected tax commission. Their popular election ensures that the Board’s tax program administration remains directly accountable to the people. Four members are elected by district. The fifth member, the State Controller, is elected at large and serves in an ex officio capacity. All terms expire in January 2011.
(snip)